Inheritance studies of caffeine and theobromine content of Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in Misiones, Argentina

In order to start a genetic improvement program for quality in the Mate crop (Ilex paraguariensis), it was attempted to estimate the actual genetic parameters of caffeine, theobromine and related quality traits, using available progeny tests in Misiones, Argentina. Using cluster analysis, eight groups of similar characteristics could be identified, and individual within full-sib family selection for quality was performed. Additive effects were strong for caffeine but weak for theobromine. Co-heritability between caffeine and theobromine was positive, suggesting that additive genetic correlations and dominance correlations are concurring. The strong influence of paternal progenitors regarding caffeine needs more research. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.