Genetic control of adventitious rooting and multi-trait selection of Schinus terebinthifolia genotypes rescued through stem cuttings and pruned branches

Abstract

Cloning adult mother trees can increase the supply of propagules for forest restoration, clonal garden establishment and seedling production. Still, its success depends on the genotypic capacity to sprout, survive acclimatization and form adventitious roots. This study estimated genetic parameters and selected genotypes of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi. for vegetative rescue through stem cuttings and pruned branches. Ten adult mother trees from a natural population in Goiana, Pernambuco, Brazil, were evaluated. Experimental units were grown in a greenhouse, a shade house and full sun. Traits recorded across these acclimatization stages were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures, and the final quality of seedlings derived from cuttings was evaluated under a completely randomized design. In stem cuttings, bud presence, survival and rooting showed mean genotype heritability from 0.82 to 0.87, selective accuracy from 0.90 to 0.93 and high stability across stages. In the final seedling assessment, root volume, shoot length, number of shoots and number of leaves were the most informative attributes. Selection of mother trees 7, 4 and 10 yielded predicted gains ranging from 53.5 to 105.4%. In pruned branches, number of shoots and survival discriminated genotypes, but with lower stability. Agreement between techniques was partial, and the multi-trait index highlighted genotype 7. These results indicate genetic control of propagation competence and support integrated selection of mother trees for initial clonal deployment of the species.