Correlations between Eucalyptus Clonal Cutting Quality and Performance after Planting

ABSTRACT This study assessed correlations of different characteristics of cuttings in the nursery of three hybrid clones of Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla and growth in height after planting. The characteristic that presented greatest correlation with the initial growth was the canopy height and cutting height ratio. At 12 and 24 months in the field, the stem diameter was more important. The parameters assessed in the nursery that correlated positively with growth in the field at three and six months after planting were height, number of leaf pairs, number of root deformations and clod length. At 12 and 24 months the parameters that correlated negatively were diameter, number of leaf pairs and the number of root deformations. Despite presenting significant correlation, root deformations did not interfere in the initial growth of the plants under high rainfall conditions, but the effects became harmful over time resulting in a reduction in plant growth.