Rooting of mini-cuttings in different collection times for the selection of canjerana clones

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study the effect of the collection time in rooting capability of mini-cuttings to develop a selection strategy to maximize genetic gain from selection and to facilitate the identification of canjerana clones with potential for vegetative propagation. A clonal mini-hedge was established with 22 canjerana clones and mini-cuttings were collected in three different times during the vegetative growth season. The percentages of survival, rooting and shooting, the number and length of roots and shoots and the number of rooted mini-cuttings per mini-stump were evaluated. The clones were clustered by the non-hierarchical k-means method for the number of rooted mini-cuttings in each collection time. Clone selection was based upon the sum of ranks and genetic gain from selection was estimated. The collection time of canjerana shoots affects the rooting capability of mini-cuttings. Selection of canjerana clones should be based upon the number of rooted mini-cuttings per mini-stump, during the whole season of vegetative growth.