This work had the objective of testing cleft grafting as a way to asexually propagate different genotypes of Surinam cherry. Bud wood of around 5 cm length were collected from seven genotypes of the Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Clima Temperado, Pelotas, RS. Seedling plants of Surinam cherry seedlings were used as rootstocks. The average diameter at the grafting point was 2.5 mm. Grafting was done on September, 2006. The experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design with four replications and 10 plants per plot. Evaluations were based on percentage of obtained plants in relation to the total number of grafts and percentage of grafts with leaf burst. Percentages of grafts with leaf break were between 45.0% and 95% whereas percentages of grafting success in actually obtained the desirable clones were between 40.0% to 87.5%. Percentages above 65.0% for evaluated parameters, leafing and grafting success were obtained in selections "Pit 75", "Pit 61" and "Pit 137". There were differences among genotypes for percentage of cleft grafting success in Surinam cherry propagation. This type of grafting is recommended for Surinam cherry vegetative propagation.
Myrtaceae; clone; asexual propagation; genotype
