INFLUENCE OF STEM CUTTING POSITION, LEAVES CONDITION AND SIZE OF MINICUTTINGS IN ROOTING OF BLACK WATTLE

Because of the commercial interest in forest resources provided by black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wildman), mainly for tannin extraction, the researches about clonal propagation techniques have been developed for this species. The objective of our study is to determine the type and size of minicuttings for the best adventitious rooting in three commercial clones of black wattle. The minicuttings were collected from a mini-clonal hedge located in the nursery at TANAGRO S.A. Company, located in Montenegro, Brazil. There were tested four sizes of minicuttings (5, 8, 11, 14 and 17 cm); two types depending on the stem cutting position where they were collected (apical or basal) and presence or absence of leaves with entire or half reduced area. The experiments were installed in randomized blocks with four blocks and six minicuttings per parcel. The evaluation of minicuttings rooting was done after 45 days. We conclude that also basal and apical minicuttings with entire or half reduced leaves exhibit higher percentage of rooting, as well as 14 cm minicuttings. Besides that, rooting response also varies according to the clone genotype.