It has been reported that Camellia sinensis has a low ability to emit roots, stimulating basic studies of propagation by cuttings. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the rooting potential of different genotypes and the effect of the position of cuttings of the branch and basal injury, of the substrate, recipient size and indolebutyric acid on rooting of semi hardwood cuttings of this species. Stems were collected from three genotypes, IAC 259, F15 and Comum, grown in Pariquera-Açu, São Paulo state, Brazil, in winter 2010 and prepared cuttings, with one bud and one leaf, which were kept in a nursery with 70% of shading. The cuttings of basal and median position on branch were the most suitable due to lower mortality and greater rooting capacity. The basal injury does not affect mortality and the rooting of cuttings, but induces the formation of callus. There were also no differences in mortality and rooting of cuttings when they were kept in containers with 50, 90 and 120 cm³. The presence of incision at the base of cuttings, along with treatment with 10 g L-1 IBA and soil as a substrate promoted the highest percentage of rooting. However, even in this condition the average mortality of the cuttings was 42%. The rooting potential of Comum genotype was superior to the IAC 259 and F 15.
Camellia sinensis; tea; cutting; rooting
