Seminiferous propagation in the selection of chestnut tree rootstocks

Abstract

Aiming the selection of rootstocks to produce seedlings, the objective of this study was to quantify the seminiferous propagation in chestnut seeds, with or without incisions. Nine cultivars were used (‘Ibuki’, ‘Isumo’, ‘Kinshu’, ‘Moriwase’, ‘Okuni’, ‘Senri’, ‘Taishowase’, ‘Tamatsukuri’ and ‘Tiodowase’) and two selections (‘KM-1’ and ‘KM-2’) of hybrid chestnut trees (Castanea crenata x Castanea sp.). An incision was held in half of chestnuts and the other half remained intact. Percentage of germination, emergence and root length were quantified. The germinated nuts were transplanted and were quantified the diameter and height of seedlings. Then, the chestnut selections ‘KM-2’ and ‘Jacutinga’ were grafted by the cleft grafting method, and were quantified the percentage of sprouting, besides the diameter and height of grafts. Incisions increase the germination and seedling emergence in most cultivars and selections. ‘Taishowase’ and ‘Tamatsukuri’ stood out over the others to germination, growth of the rootstocks.