Abstract

VERA BRAVO, C.  and  LOPEZ, J. A.. Improving a grafting protocol for Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata. Quebracho (Santiago del Estero) [online]. 2016, vol.24, n.1, pp.36-37. ISSN 0328-0543.

Vegetative propagation of forest trees by grafting is a tool that enables to clone adult selected trees, particularly for those difficult to root species. Grafting in this case is used for the establishment of clonal seed orchards; ex situ conservation orchards and controlled breeding of selected trees. For the Genus Eucalyptus, cleft grafting is the most used. The percentage of graft arrest is variable, particularly if the graft scion derived from adult trees. The present work aim to identify the best time of the year to graft branches of the top of trees genetically selected of Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegate (CCV) and with the ramets obtained, to install a clonal seed orchard. The results show that the best time for grafting is fall, when the average temperatures during the day are less than 14º C. The percentage of grating success varies from 14 to 54 % with an average of 34 % from a total of 627 grafts made with 16 selected trees of the base population of improve plants of INTA CCV. The ramets of the grafted trees were planted during the spring of 2013 to implement the clonal seed orchard.

Keywords : Cleft grafting; Spotted gum; Seasonal environmental conditions of graft.