Abstract: Given the lack of information on the use of controlled-release fertilizers in yerba mate seedlings production, this study aimed to evaluate growth and morphological characteristics of seedlings produced with two controlled-release fertilizers applied at different doses. We used seeds from a clonal seed orchard, which were sown in a commercial substrate based on peat and vermiculite, with Osmocote® MiniPrill 3M (CRF 3M) and Basacote® Plus 9M (CRF 9M) fertilizers, both in doses of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 kg m-3. Seedling height and stem diameter were measured at 60, 90, 120, and 180 days after sowing and, at 180 days, shoot, root, and total biomass, tube withdrawal ease, and root aggregation. From these data, we calculated Dickson's quality index, technical efficiency, Height/Stem diameter ratio, and maximum technical efficiency dose. We verified values statistically superior to control treatment (0 kg m-3) in all variables in response to controlled-release fertilizer 3M and 9M, demonstrating the viability of yerba mate seedling production using controlled-release fertilizers. This is also evidenced through results obtained for growth in height and stem diameter. Although CRF 3M favored seedling growth, CRF 9M showed similar efficiency. The Osmocote® MiniPrill 3M is more efficient than Basacote® Plus 9M in most of the variables analyzed and has a lower input required to obtain quality seedlings. For these reasons, Osmocote® MiniPrill 3M is indicated to produce yerba mate seedlings in the dose 8.50 kg m-3.

Abstract The development of vegetative propagation programs of Araucaria angustifolia still lacks on information about genetic factor that may influence on its success. We aimed to evaluate how mother tree sex and provenance influence on grafting success. So, we collected orthotropic branches from 26 mother trees male and female, of a clonal garden established from matrices from different provenances, and carried out an experiment using a patch grafting technique. Grafting survival, number and length of shoots did not differ between mother tree sex and provenance. The absence of significant variations between mother trees and no correlation with sex or provenance indicates that the morphological characteristics of rootstocks and shoots, and environmental conditions after grafting may have more influence on the success of grafting.

SUMMARY Obtaining high-quality native species seedlings and sustainable alternatives for seedling production are currently some of the bottlenecks for successful restoration plantings in degraded ecosystems. This study evaluated the survival and vigor of seminal seedlings of Mimosa flocculosa, M. micropteris and M. incana, produced in three containers (110 cm3 and 55 cm3 polypropylene tubes and 58 cm3 SISBGC type biocompostable container) for ecological restoration purposes in the phytogeographic region of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. Survival, total height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry biomass, sturdiness quotient, Dickson's quality index and technical efficiency were evaluated. Survival percentages were higher for the three Mimosa species throughout all evaluations and in the three containers, with an average over 95 %, demonstrating the viability of the seedling production protocol used. Although the 110 cm3 tube favored larger seedling growth, especially in M. flocculosa, the SISBGC tube showed similar efficiency for M. micropteris and M. incana. We conclude that a good performance in the nursery, associated with the bio-decomposition characteristics, makes SISBGC an excellent alternative for producing native seedlings for ecological restoration purposes.

RESUMEN La obtención de plántulas de especies nativas de alta calidad, así como alternativas sostenibles para la producción de plántulas, representan hoy algunas de las limitaciones para el éxito de las plantaciones de restauración de ecosistemas degradados. Así, el objetivo fue evaluar la supervivencia y vigor de plántulas seminales de Mimosa flocculosa, M. micropteris y M. incana, producidas en tres recipientes (tubos de polipropileno de 110 cm3 y 55 cm3 y recipiente biocompostable tipo SISBGC de 58 cm3), con fines de restauración ecológica en una región fitogeográfica de Bosque Mixto Ombrófilo. Se evaluó la supervivencia, altura, diámetro del tallo, biomasa de tallo seco y raíz, coeficiente de robustez, índice de calidad de Dickson y eficiencia técnica. Hubo altos porcentajes de supervivencia para las tres especies del género Mimosa a lo largo de todas las evaluaciones y en los tres paquetes utilizados, con un promedio superior al 95 % , demostrando la viabilidad del protocolo de producción de plántulas utilizado. Si bien el tubo de 110 cm3 favoreció un mayor crecimiento de plántulas, principalmente en M. flocculosa, para M. micropteris y M. incana, el tubo SISBGC mostró una eficiencia similar. Así, el buen desempeño en vivero, asociado a la característica de biodecomposición, hacen del SISBGC una excelente alternativa para la producción de plántulas nativas con fines de restauración ecológica.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do manejo de poda de minicepas da cultivar Climax de mirtilo, quando fertirrigadas semanalmente, sobre a produtividade do minijardim clonal e sobre o enraizamento e o vigor radicial das miniestacas. As elevadas sobrevivência das minicepas (100%) e produção de miniestacas (182,9 miniestacas por metro quadrado por mês) evidenciam a boa adaptação do material às coletas sucessivas e às condições nutricionais fornecidas ao minijardim clonal, o que resultou em alta taxa de multiplicação. Os percentuais de enraizamento obtidos nas diferentes coletas se mantêm estáveis, com média elevada de miniestacas enraizadas, que alcança 81,7%.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the pruning management of mini-stumps of the Climax blueberry cultivar, when weekly fertigated, on the productivity of the clonal mini-garden and on the rooting and root vigor of the mini-cuttings. The high survival of the mini-stumps (100%) and production of the mini-cuttings (182.9 mini-cuttings per square meter per month) evidence the high adaptability of the material to successive samplings and to the nutritional conditions provided to the clonal mini-garden, resulting in a high multiplication rate. The rooting percentages obtained at the different samplings remain stable, with a high average of rooted mini-cuttings, reaching 81.7%.

SUMMARY: Plants producing fruits for many months of the year, or at times when few species bear fruits, are highly valuable for restoration of degraded ecosystems due to their ability to attract and support dispersing fauna. An example of this are native fig trees such as Ficus enormis. Thus, in view of the difficulties for F. enormis seedlings production, we aimed at developing a method of cuttings propagation by evaluating the rooting and root vigor of cuttings from a field clonal garden. The experiment was established between June/2015 and May/2016 at Laboratory of Forest Species Propagation of Embrapa Florestas, in Colombo-PR. We evaluated collection of cuttings during three seasons (winter, spring and summer) and application of concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid - IBA (0, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 mg L-1). After 45 days of cuttings establishment in an acclimatized greenhouse, the best results for rooting, number of roots, average length of the three largest roots per cutting and maintenance of leaves and shoots were found in spring and summer. Using plant regulator did not influence the rooting or root vigor of propagules; the time of the year was the predominant factor to induce rooting. The results show that the cuttings technique with propagules from a clonal garden is efficient for producing F. enormis plants and can serve as a basis for the species propagation.

RESUMEN: Las plantas que producen frutos durante muchos meses del año, o en momentos en que pocas especies dan frutos, son de gran valor para la restauración de ecosistemas degradados debido a su capacidad para atraer y apoyar la fauna dispersora. Un ejemplo de esto son las higueras nativas como Ficus enormis. Por las dificultades para la producción de plántulas de F. enormis, fue evaluada la propagación de esquejes mediante enraizamiento y vigor de sus raíces de un jardín clonal de campo. El experimento se estableció entre junio/2015 y mayo/2016 en el Laboratorio de Propagación de Especies Forestales de Embrapa Florestas, en Colombo-PR. Se evaluó la recolección de esquejes durante tres estaciones (invierno, primavera y verano) y la aplicación de concentraciones de ácido indol-3-butírico - IBA (0, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 mg L-1). Después de 45 días de establecimiento de esquejes en un invernadero climatizado, los mejores resultados para el enraizamiento, el número de raíces, la longitud promedio de las tres raíces más grandes por corte, el mantenimiento de las hojas y los brotes se encontraron en primavera y verano. El uso del regulador de la planta no influyó en el enraizamiento y el vigor de las raíces de los propágulos, y la época del año fue el factor predominante para inducir el enraizamiento. Los resultados muestran que la técnica de esquejes con propágulos de un jardín clonal es eficiente para producir plantas de F. enormis y puede servir como base para la propagación de esta especie.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a sobrevivência e o crescimento inicial, no campo, de mudas de eucalipto produzidas em diferentes substratos. Mudas de Eucalyptus benthamii produzidas em 36 substratos foram avaliadas em campo. Os substratos consistiram em misturas, em diferentes proporções volumétricas, de: casca de arroz carbonizada, carvão com granulometria entre 1,0-3,0 mm, carvão com granulometria entre 3,0-5,0 mm, fibra de coco, casca de pinheiro semidecomposta, vermiculita fina, lodo de esgoto e turfa. Aos 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18 e 24 meses após o plantio, foram determinados sobrevivência, altura e diâmetro. Aos 24 meses após o plantio, também foram medidos incremento em altura, incremento em diâmetro, área transversal e área basal. As plântulas que apresentaram sobrevivência de 100% após 24 meses em condições de campo foram aquelas cultivadas, no viveiro, em substratos com maior proporção de vermiculita fina, lodo de esgoto e turfa, ou seja, em substratos com maior microporosidade. No entanto, não há efeito das características do substrato no crescimento inicial das plântulas. Há correlação significativa entre a sobrevivência da plântula aos 6 meses de idade e seu diâmetro no final da fase de viveiro, o que ressalta a importância desta característica para o estabelecimento da planta em campo, independentemente do substrato utilizado.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the survival and initial growth, in the field, of eucalyptus seedlings produced in different substrates. Eucalyptus benthamii seedlings produced in 36 substrates were evaluated in the field. The substrates consisted of mixtures, at different volumetric proportions, of: carbonized rice husk, charcoal with granulometry between 1.0-3.0 mm, charcoal with granulometry between 3.0-5.0 mm, coconut fiber, semi-decomposed pine bark, fine vermiculite, sewage sludge, and peat moss. At 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after planting, survival, height, and diameter were determined. At 24 months after planting, height increment, diameter increment, transversal area, and basal area were also measured. The seedlings that showed 100% survival after 24 months under field conditions were those grown in the nursery in substrates with a higher proportion of fine vermiculite, sewage sludge, and peat moss, that is, in substrates with a higher microporosity. However, there is no effect of substrate characteristics on seedling initial growth in the field. A significant correlation is observed between the survival of seedlings at 6 months and their diameter at the end of the nursery period, evidencing the importance of this characteristic for the establishment of the plant in the field, regardless of the used substrate.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a enxertia de Araucaria angustifolia em dois volumes de recipientes e três alturas. Porta-enxertos com 30±5,0 cm foram enxertados com borbulhas com 4,0±1,0 cm em tubos de plástico (recipientes) de 110 e 280 cm3, em três alturas (5,0±1,0, 10±1,0 e 15±1,0 cm). Houve redução na sobrevivência dos enxertos com o aumento da altura de enxertia, e o menor volume limitou o desenvolvimento do sistema radicular. Portanto, a enxertia a 5,0±1,0 cm em recipientes de 280 cm3 traz novas perspectivas para o aprimoramento da silvicultura clonal da espécie, com redução significativa no tempo de produção de mudas (de até 12 meses), bem como nos custos de produção, nos materiais utilizados e na área física.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the grafting of Araucaria angustifolia in two container volumes and at three heights. Rootstocks with 30±5.0 cm were grafted with 4.0±1.0-cm buds in 110 and 280-cm3 plastic tubes (containers) at three heights (5.0±1.0, 10±1.0, and 15±1.0 cm). There was a reduction in graft survival as the height of the grafting point increased, and the lower volume limited the development of the root system. Therefore, grafting at 5.0±1.0 cm in 280-cm3 containers brings new perspectives to improve the clonal forestry of the species, with a significant reduction in plants production time (of up to 12 months), as well as in production costs, used materials, and physical area.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do armazenamento na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de cedro (Cedrela fissilis), bem como correlacionar a germinação e o vigor das sementes com suas principais alterações bioquímicas. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 3×5 (três ambientes × cinco períodos de armazenamento). As sementes foram armazenadas por 0, 135, 280, 381 e 515 dias, em: câmara úmida a 5±2ºC e 80% de umidade relativa, câmara seca a 20±2ºC e 60% de umidade relativa e ambiente não controlado (laboratório) a 16±10ºC e 60±25% de umidade relativa. Em todos os períodos de armazenamento, foram avaliados o teor de umidade em base úmida e as percentagens de proteínas, lipídios, carboidratos totais e cinzas. Para os testes de viabilidade e vigor, foram calculados percentagem de germinação e tempo médio de germinação. No momento da coleta, as sementes apresentaram 11,5% de água, 85,5% de germinação e tempo médio de germinação de 13,5 dias, e todas foram negativamente influenciadas pelo período de armazenamento. A percentagem de proteína mostrou tendência de queda, enquanto a de carboidratos aumentou com o aumento do período de armazenamento. A germinação e o vigor das sementes reduzem drasticamente com o armazenamento.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of storage on the physiological quality of cedar (Cedrela fissilis) seeds, as well as to correlate the germination and vigor of the seeds with their main biochemical changes. The experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 3×5 factorial arrangement (three environments × five storage periods). Seeds were stored for 0, 135, 280, 381, and 515 days in: a humidity chamber at 5±2ºC and 80% relative humidity, a drying chamber at 20±2ºC and 60% relative humidity, and an uncontrolled environment (laboratory) at 16±10ºC and 60±25% relative humidity. In all storage periods, the content of moisture on a wet basis and the percentages of proteins, lipids, total carbohydrates, and ash were evaluated. For the viability and vigor tests, the percentage of germination and mean germination time were calculated. At sampling time, seeds showed 11.5% water content, 85.5% germination, and mean germination time of 13.5 days, and all were negatively influenced by storage period. Protein percentage showed a downward trend, while that of carbohydrates increased as the storage period was extended. Seed germination and vigor reduce drastically with storage.

ABSTRACT The plant vigor defined in the laboratory may not indicate the final quality of seedlings produced under nursery conditions, or even their survival in plantations. So, we evaluated the influence of the storage conditions of Torresea acreana seeds on its emergence, as well as, on the morphological quality of produced seedlings. Seeds were collected in October/2011, packed, transported, conditioned in closed glas pots and stored in three environments for a period of 462 days. The treatments consisted of seedlings produced from seeds: 1 - without storage (control), 2 - stored in a dry chamber, 3 - stored in a humid chamber, and 4 - stored in an uncontrolled environment (laboratory). Sowing was performed in 50 cm³ plastic tubes filled with decomposed pine bark and coconut fiber (50/50 v/v) which were packed in a glasshouse. The study analyzed the percentage of emergence, mean seedlings emergence time, stem diameter, total height, ratio between total height and stem diameter, shoot length, mean root length, total dry biomass, root dry biomass, shoot dry biomass, and Dickson quality index. Seed storage proved to be a negative factor for the emergence and vigor of T. acreana seedlings. The vigor of the seeds is a preponderant factor to increase the morphological quality of the seedlings.

Resumo: A compreensão dos mecanismos envolvidos na maturação em espécies arbóreas, relacionados principalmente aos efeitos da idade ontogenética, tem contribuído de forma significativa ao processo de propagação vegetativa de espécies nativas, com consequente aplicação da silvicultura clonal. Uma série de metodologias tem sido desenvolvida para o resgate e a propagação vegetativa dessas espécies para fins silviculturais e de restauração ambiental. No entanto, ainda precisam ser mais bem alinhados os tipos e os propósitos da propagação, bem como a escolha dos processos e dos propágulos adequados tendo em vista os objetivos almejados. Além disso, há uma lacuna evidente de conhecimento e um grande potencial referente ao uso de espécies arbóreas nativas na silvicultura clonal brasileira, o que indica a necessidade de maior afinidade entre estudos de propagação vegetativa e do vigor desses materiais em campo. Assim, esta revisão tem por objetivo auxiliar no entendimento das diferentes técnicas e de suas aplicações na propagação vegetativa e na silvicultura clonal de espécies arbóreas nativas, bem como propor uma sequência esquemática das etapas envolvidas nesses processos para fins produtivos e ambientais.

Abstract: Understanding the mechanisms involved in tree species maturation, related mainly to ontogenetic age effects, has contributed significantly to the vegetative propagation process of Brazilian native tree species, with consequent application of clonal forestry. A number of methodologies has been developed to rescue and vegetatively propagate these species for silvicultural and environmental restoration purposes. However, the types and purposes of propagation, as well as the choice of suitable processes and propagules considering the intended objectives, still need to be better aligned. In addition, there is an evident knowledge gap and great potential regarding the use of native tree species in Brazilian clonal forestry, indicating the need of a greater interaction between studies on the vegetative propagation and vigor of these materials in the field. Therefore, this review aims to help understand the different types of techniques used and their application on the vegetative propagation and clonal forestry of Brazilian native tree species, besides proposing a schematic sequence of the stages involved in these processes for productive and environmental purposes.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade da seleção precoce de progênies de polinização aberta de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) e classificar os melhores genitores e candidatos a clones. O germoplasma é composto por 140 progênies coletadas em áreas de distribuição natural da espécie na região Sul do Brasil e um genótipo comercial (testemunha). O experimento foi implantado em Ivaí, PR, em março de 1997, em blocos ao acaso, com dez repetições, e parcelas lineares de seis plantas. A massa comercial (kg por planta) com folhas e galhos menores que 7 mm foi colhida aos 2,5, 4,5, 6,5 e 18,7 anos de idade. A avaliação estatística foi realizada por meio do procedimento de modelos mistos com máxima verossimilhança restrita/melhor predição linear não viesada, por meio do programa Selegen. Elevada acurácia seletiva, efeitos significativos de progênies e variabilidade genética para a produção de massa comercial foram observados nas quatro idades de colheitas. A aplicação da seleção precoce para a produção de massa foliar é viável para as progênies na colheita aos 6,5 anos. A seleção das melhores árvores, seja para uso como genitoras em cruzamentos ou como candidatas à clonagem, proporciona ganhos significativos para o melhoramento de erva-mate.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of early selection of open-pollinated yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) progenies, and to classify the best parents and candidates for clones. The germplasm is composed of 140 progenies collected from areas within the natural distribution of the species in Southern Brazil and a commercial genotype (control). The experiment was established in Ivaí, in the state of Paraná, Brazil, in March 1997, in randomized complete blocks, with ten replicates, and linear plots of six plants. The commercial mass (kg per plant) of leaves and branches smaller than 7 mm was harvested at 2.5, 4.5, 6.5, and 18.7 years of age. The statistical evaluation was performed using the mixed model procedure with restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction, using the Selegen software. High selective accuracy, significant progeny effects, and genetic variability for commercial mass production were observed for the four harvesting ages. The application of early selection for leaf mass production is feasible for yerba mate progenies harvested at 6.5 years. The selection of the best trees, either for use as parents or as candidates for cloning, provides significant gains for the genetic breeding of yerba mate.

ABSTRACT The selection of yerba mate superior genotypes, based on each plant leaf weight, is based on genetic parameters obtained from experimental plantations and it is practically impossible from the fourth year of age. Therefore, we estimate genetic parameters and check the feasibility of selection through notes and weight estimates of each tree at 18.5 years of age. The genetic material consists of a combined trial of provenances and progenies of half-sibs with 140 progenies from 7 provenances, installed in Ivaí, Paraná, Brazil, in a randomized block design with 10 repetitions. The genetic control of leaf production is of low magnitude (ĥ2a= 0.175042 ± 0.0393) revealing high influence of the environment. The additive genetic correlations between the real weight of leaves × notes and real weight of leaves × visually estimated weight were of high magnitude (higher than 88%). Thus, the selection based on the leaves weight can be carried out without major losses in genetic gains by both methodologies when the purpose is the sexual selection, in which case the sort order has no importance. In the case of vegetative propagation, aiming clonal plantations, in which only the plants with the highest genotypic values should be selected, the selection by means of notes and leaves weight estimates proved to be inefficient.

RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a viabilidade técnica e a influência da idade do porta-enxerto e do hábito de crescimento na enxertia de copa em Araucaria angustifolia. Foram utilizados porta-enxertos de duas idades (8 e 35 anos), com enxertos originários de dois hábitos de crescimento (ortotrópicos e plagiotrópicos). A enxertia foi realizada por borbulhia de placa, no terço médio e superior da copa das árvores de 8 anos e no terço médio e inferior das árvores de 35 anos, sempre próximo ao ápice em ramos primários. Os experimentos foram instalados em duas épocas, no outono e na primavera de 2015. Os tratamentos consistiram de: Porta enxertos com 8 anos de idade e enxertos ortotrópicos; Porta enxertos com 8 anos de idade e enxertos plagiotrópicos; Porta enxertos com 35 anos de idade e enxertos plagiotrópicos; Porta enxertos com 35 anos de idade e enxertos ortotrópicos. Foram avaliadas a sobrevivência dos enxertos ao longo do experimento e aos 16 meses, sua sobrevivência, a emissão, número e comprimento médio de brotações. A enxertia de copa é viável tecnicamente para araucária. O uso de porta-enxertos mais jovens (8 anos) é favorável a sobrevivência dos enxertos, especialmente quando da utilização de propágulos plagiotrópicos e enxertia realizada no outono (71,9%). O habito de crescimento dos enxertos se manteve idêntico ao original, independentemente do habito de crescimento dos porta-enxertos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical viability and influence of the rootstock age and grafts growth habit on Araucaria angustifolia top grafting. Two rootstocks (8 and 35-year-old) were grafted with grafts originating from two growth habits (orthotropic and plagiotropic). We used the patch grafting technique in the middle and upper third of the crown of 8-year-old trees, and in the middle and lower third of 35-year-old trees, always near the apex in primary branches. The experiments were performed during the fall and spring/2015. The treatments consisted of: 8-year-old rootstocks and orthotropic grafts; 8-year-old rootstocks and plagiotropic grafts; 35-year-old rootstocks and plagiotropic grafts; 35-year-old rootstocks and orthotropic grafts. We evaluated graft survival throughout the experiment and at 16 months, we evaluated their survival, emission, and number and average length of sprouts. Top grafting is technically feasible for araucaria, with better results using younger rootstocks (8-year-old), especially with plagiotropic propagules and grafting in fall/2015 (71.9%). Growth habits of the grafts are maintained identically as original, independently of rootstock growth habit.

RESUMO A espécie australiana Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel., tem uma forte importância na indústria farmacêutica e de cosméticos devido a extração dos óleos essenciais presentes nas folhas. Visando um sistema eficiente de produção de mudas de M. alternifolia, avaliou-se a técnica de miniestaquia e manejo do minijardim clonal na produtividade e enraizamento de miniestacas, além das diferentes composições de substratos nas quatro estações do ano. Minicepas provenientes de mudas propagadas por estaquia foram analisadas durante as quatro estações do ano (setembro/2013 a agosto/2014). A partir das brotações das minicepas foram produzidas miniestacas, as quais foram plantadas em tubetes e mantidas em casa de vegetação por 45 dias. Foram seis os substratos utilizados para o plantio das miniestacas: substrato comercial (S1); substrato composto por 100% de casca de arroz carbonizada (CRH) (S2); substrato composto por 100% de fibra de coco (CF) (S3); substrato composto por 50% CF e 50% CRH (S4); substrato composto por 30% CF e 70% CRH (S5); substrato composto por 70% CF e 30% CRH (S6). A elevada sobrevivência das minicepas (superior a 90%) e produção de miniestacas (282 miniestacas.m-2.mês) em casa de sombra demonstram a viabilidade da técnica para a espécie, sendo o verão a época mais adequada para coleta de propágulos. O substrato a base de 70% CF + 30% CRH (S6) apresenta resultados superiores para a propagação vegetativa de M. alternifolia (91,7% de estacas enraizadas), sendo o único a atender simultaneamente todos os parâmetros avaliados. Recomenda-se o verão como a melhor época para enraizamento das miniestacas.

ABSTRACT The Australian species Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel. has a strong commercial importance due to the extraction of essential oils from its leaves used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. In order to obtain an efficient plant production system of M. alternifolia the mini-cuttings technique and the clonal mini-garden management in the productivity and rooting of mini-cuttings and different substrate compositions were analyzed during all the seasons. Mini-stumps derived from cuttings and grown in pots (2 L), were submitted to successive harvesting of their sprouts during the four seasons (september/2013 to august/2014). From the mini-stumps sprouts mini-cuttings were produced, wich were were planted in plastic tubes and kept in a greenhouse for 45 days. Six substrates were used for planting the mini-cuttings: commercial substrate (S1); substrate composed of 100% carbonized rice husk (CRH) (S2); substrate composed of 100% coconut fiber (CF) (S3); substrate composed of 50% CF and 50% CRH (S4); substrate composed of 30% CF and 70% CRH (S5); substrate composed of 70% FC and 30% CRH (S6). The high survival of mini-stumps (over 90%) and the mini-cuttings production (282 mini-cuttings.m-2.month-1) in the shade house demonstrate the technical feasibility for the species, being summer the most appropriate time to collect propagules. The substrate composed by 70% CF + 30% CRH (S6) shows superior results for vegetative propagation of M. alternifolia (91.7% of rooted mini-cuttings), as the single one to contemplate simultaneously all parameters. Summer is recommended as the best time for rooting of mini-cuttings.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o enraizamento de estacas de brotações epicórmicas provenientes de anelamento e decepa de árvores adultas de erva-mate com 17 e 80 anos, no inverno e verão. O plantio foi realizado em caixas preenchidas com vermiculita e casca de arroz carbonizada 1:1 (v/v) e após 90 dias em casa de vegetação, foram avaliados a porcentagem de enraizamento, o número de raízes, o comprimento médio de raízes, a sobrevivência, os calos e a mortalidade. Estacas provenientes de anelamento de árvores de 17 anos apresentam elevada taxa de enraizamento (88,7%), número (13,3) e comprimento médio de raízes (3,3 cm).

ABSTRACT We investigate the rooting of epicormic shoots from girdling and coppicing of adult mate trees with 17 and 80-years-old, in the winter and the summer. Cuttings were planted in boxes filled with vermiculite and carbonized rice hull 1:1 (v/v) and after 90 days in greenhouse rooting percentage, number of roots, average root length, survival, callus and mortality were evaluated. Cuttings from girdled trees with 17-years-old showed better rooting (88.7%), number (13.3) and average root length (3.3 cm).