Productivity of mini-cuttings of a hybrid clone of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus pellita as a function of exposure time of mini-stumps to mini-tunnel

Abstract

With the implementation of the mini-cutting technique in Eucalyptus, several alternatives have emerged to improve the structures for propagation, growth, and development of plants. A technology that has been used recently in the propagation of eucalyptus in clonal mini-gardens is the mini-tunnel, which has shown to be promising, making it possible to increase the productivity of the mini-stumps and also the rooting of the mini-cuttings. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of exposure times of mini-stumps to mini-tunnel on the productivity of mini-cuttings of a hybrid clone of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus pellita. Four times were tested: 0 (control), 15, 30, and 45 days. The total productivity and the effective productivity of mini-cuttings per mini-stump and the contents of chlorophyll a, b, and total, height, leaf area, and dry mass of the mini-cuttings were evaluated. The 45-day exposure time of the mini-stumps to the mini-tunnel resulted in greater productivity of mini-cuttings, increased height, and chlorophyll content, in addition to smaller leaf area and dry biomass of the mini-cuttings, being advantageous in the management operation of the clonal mini-garden.