ABSTRACT
The dormancy intensity and chilling requirement of willow (Salix x rubens Shrank) were investigated in excised single node shoots. Observations were made from branches collected in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, at 21 days interval from March, 29th to August 2and, 2004. Budburst of buds from bottom, middle, and top segments of branches under natural chilled or completed with artificially chill by 500, and 1000 hours at 5±3ºC was evaluated. The sprouted were evaluated at wetting bud, expose bud; steam larded and opened leaf station. The most intensive dormancy occurred on May 10th and it was improved from the basal to top part of the branches. The chill treatment with 500 hours at 5±3ºC was effective in reducing the time to budburst. The real ability of bud development can be assessed only if observations are carried out until appearance of opened leaves.
Keywords:
willow; budburst; endodormancy; cuttings test