Density mini-stumps on mini-clonal hedge in the production of clonal seedlings eucalyptus

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate different densities of rooted

productivity and survival as well as the effects on production and survival of cuttings produced. We performed two separate experiments, one for each genetic material (C1 and C2) and were assessed three densities for clone C1 (88, 75 and 57 ministumps m^-2) and two for clone C2 (104 and 78 ministumps m^-2). Shoots we collected from the ministumps and they were used in making cuttings 6-10 cm long. Sampling was initiated in January 2011, ending in March 2011. The cuttings were planted in substrate composed of 50% vermiculite and 50% of rice hulls and subsequently they were conducted in following steps: greenhouse, shade house and field hardening. For both clones, the density with smaller number of mini-stumps m^-2 resulted in lower mortality rate of mini-stumps and higher production of mini-cuttings. The survival of mini-cuttings in the first selection (when exiting from the shade) and the second selection of seedlings (50 days after planting) was not affected by the spacing given the mini-stumps.