Selection of common cashew tree genotypes in commercial growing areas in municipalities of Piauí, Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and to select promising common cashew tree genotypes in commercial growing areas in four environments in Piauí (Piracuruca - P, Barro Duro - B, Teresina - T, and Ipiranga do Piauí - I) using the mixed model approach. Genetic variances were significant for most of agromorphological and physicochemical traits of the cashew nut and accessory fruit. The physicochemical traits exhibited more genetic variability and less environmental influence. The genetic correlations among traits were significant, positive, and of medium to high magnitude, except for titratable acidity and total soluble solids. The prominent genotypes for the agromorphological traits were 115(I), 110(I), 92(T), 38(P), 108(I), and 103(I); for titratable acidity, 31(P), 118(I), and 74(B); for total soluble solids, 124(I) and 112(I); and for total soluble solids/titratable acidity, 109(I) and 47(P). The selected genotype 115(I) exhibited superior performance for most of the traits.