Search

Background: Vegetative propagation from superior individuals allows multiple copies of plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant to be obtained. However, vegetative propagation success varies among individual genotypes, with some clones having more difficulty forming roots than others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic gain in Sequoia sempervirens (D.Don) Endl. clones using parameters describing vegetative propagation success and initial growth in field. Methods: Vegetative propagation success was quantified for 16 clones in a completely randomised design consisting of 10 replications, each containing 10 mini-cuttings. At 90 days, rooting (RT), survival (SV) and the number of new shoots (NS) were evaluated. Performance after planting in the field was assessed using 13 clones from the previous experiment, arranged in linear parcels of 10 plants with 8 replicates. After 18 months, survival (SV), stem diameter (SD), height (H) and dominance breakdown (DB) were assessed. Estimates of variance components, heritability and genetic correlations were obtained using the Selegen-REML/BLUP software. Results: The mini cuttings of the 16 clones had a coefficient of genetic variation (CVgi%) of 32.32% for RT, 5.44% for SV and 5.35% for NS. The heritability of the total genetic effects (H2 g) for RT was 0.68. The clones with the best predicted genotypic classifications for the characteristics evaluated in the field were A116, A140 and A138 for SV, A126, A140 and A138 for SD, A138, A140 and A117 for H and A138, A228 and A116 for DB. Conclusions: In general, it was possible to obtain high genetic gain for rooting and medium gain for dendrometric variables in the field.

SUMMARY: Sequoia sempervirens is a fast-growing, long-lived tree with pest-resistant wood. The objective of this study was to quantify the adventitious rooting ability of sequoia clones in two environments as well as determining rooting behavior during the evaluation period. Mini-cuttings of five clones grown in a clonal mini-garden were planted for rooting in two different environments: a mini-tunnel and an intermittently fogging greenhouse. Weekly assessments (from 30 to 93 days) of the variables were performed: survival, rooted mini-cuttings and number of roots emitted. Rooting speed varied in relation to the clones, occurring mainly between 50 and 60 days after planting, with the appearance of new roots between 70 and 80 days. The cultivation environment promoted distinct responses in the rooting process, being earlier in the greenhouse environment, although with a higher index in the mini-tunnel at the end of the evaluation. The process of differentiation of mini-cuttings occurs initially with the formation of calluses, around 15 days, followed by rooting (between 30 and 60 days) and the subsequent appearance of new roots. The rooting of sequoia mini-cuttings can be done in a mini-tunnel, with good indexes for all clones. It is recommended to keep mini-cuttings in this environment for 90 days for good root formation.

The vegetative growth of plants depends on the nutritional conditions of the soil, mainly in relation to the N element. This element favours the formation of cytokines and auxins, essential hormones for sprouting and rooting, respectively. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of nitrogen fertilization of Ilex paraguariensis mother trees on epicormic sprouts emission and rooting of its cuttings. Five treatments of fertilization were applied on the mother trees: control; 250 g of urea (N); 250 g of NPK (5-20-10); 500 g of NPK, and; 250 g of NPK with 30 g of micronutrients. Two evaluations (at 240 and 480 days) were carried out for: trees with sprouts emission (%), average sprouts number and their average length (cm). Sprouts were collected at both vegetative evaluations after the application of the experiment (August 2016) and sectioned into cuttings. Cuttings variables were evaluated: survival (%); rooting (%), callus formation (%) and average root number. The best response to epicormic sprouts emission was obtained with 250 g of NPK at 480 days for trees with sprouts (>75%), sprouts number (4.4) and sprouts length (9.9), but considerable results were also obtained at 240 days with urea. For cuttings, the best results were also obtained from sprouts obtained at 480 days for most treatments (>80% survival and rooting). Nitrogen fertilization is essential for a successful vegetative rescue and propagation by cuttings of I. paraguariensis, and longer periods may be able to boost these results.

The induction of epicormic shoots is very important for the success of vegetative propagation in forestry species, due to the high rooting capacity of the reinvigorated material. However, it is necessary to determine the most appropriate technique for this purpose, aiming for greater productivity and better reinvigoration, which may be different for each species. The objective of this search was to evaluate different induction techniques for the production of epicormic shoots in I. paraguariensis mother trees in the municipality of Urupema, Santa Catarina state, considering four rescue techniques: complete girdling (100%); semi-girdling (50%); detached live branches, and; shoots of the treetop (canopy). Three evaluations were made for: trees with epicormic shoots (%), average number of shoots and their average length (cm). Shoots were collected at 180 days after (February 2017) the application of the experiment (August 2016), separating in: rejuvenated shoots and of the treetop. At 90 days, cuttings variables were evaluated: rooting (%), calogenesis (%), average root number and their average length (cm). The semi-girdling was superior to shoot length (5.3 cm). The detached live branches obtained the highest average number of shoots (4.7), however, they were not able for cutting, due to their short length (0,6 cm). For cutting, there was only difference for the number of roots formed, and the rejuvenated material was superior (2,3) than treetop (0.8). It is recommended the use of semi-girdling technique for greater production of juvenile shoots and use reinvigorated cuttings for vegetative propagation, considering the greater number of roots formed.