ABSTRACT. Grafting is an alternative method for the early production of Araucaria angustifolia seeds, and welding quality is essential for the success of the technique. The objective of this study was to create a classification of welding quality to estimate the percentage of scion survival. The patch and flute grafting techniques were used in a greenhouse and in the field. Survival was evaluated 270 days after grafting (DAG). At 60 DAG, observations of the graft connection region were made with the naked eye, classifying the connections into four welding classes. After 160 DAG, transverse cuts were performed on each class and visually and anatomically evaluated. Flute grafting presented higher initial survival (79%), but at 180 DAG, the survival rate of both techniques was similar (48% for flute and 41% for patch). There was greater scion survival for the class that had only two regions in contact with discontinuity in the bark. Stabilization of survival occurred after 180 DAG, regardless of the welding class. Visually, there were differences in welding quality; however, anatomically, all classes presented vascular connections. The visual welding quality assessment underestimated the percentage of scion survival. However, the vascular connection and development of parenchymatous tissue are promising for diagnosing grafting success.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the technical feasibility of budding in A. angustifolia in two rootstocks establishment, performed in two seasons of the year. In October and April, patch and flute budding techniques were carried on rootstocks kept indoor (greenhouse) and established outdoor (field), with grafts of adult female plants. The percentage of survival, percentage of shoots and number of shoots up to 300 days after budding (DAB) were evaluated. The patch budding performed in October showed the greatest grafts survival rates (82%) and percentage of shoots in the grafts (64%) at 180 DAB. The flute budding showed highest number of shoots (2.7 at 120 DAB and 3.5 at 180 DAB) when compared to patch budding. The use of the patch budding is recommended in spring, not requiring a controlled environment for the rootstocks. After 180 DAB there were no losses of grafted plants.