Rooting Efficiency and Early Growth Response of Eucalyptus Clones Propagated via Tissue-Culture and Conventional Plantlets as Mother Plants

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing species and a primary raw material for India’s pulp and paper industry, with productivity dependent on efficient clonal propagation of superior genotypes. This study assessed the juvenile vegetative development of Tissue Culture Plantlets (TCP) versus Conventional Cuttings Plantlets (CCP) in Eucalyptus hybrid clones SPM 85 (E. urophylla × E. grandis). A total of 1,500 apical shoot cuttings each from TCP and CCP were collected and maintained under mist chamber conditions. Survival percentage, shoot height, leaf number, root length, root volume, and root-shoot ratio were recorded at 45 days after planting. Cuttings originating from tissue culture exhibited significantly higher rooting success and superior early growth compared to those from conventional mother bed sources. Randomized block ANOVA and mixed effects model analyses revealed significant differences in shoot length, root length, new leaves, and root volume (p < 0.001), whereas root shoot ratio did not differ significantly. These findings emphasize the critical role of mother plant origin and physiological status, and the integration of tissue culture with optimized mother plant management for large-scale production of high quality Eucalyptus clones. The enhanced establishment performance and early vigour observed in TCP derived cuttings highlighted their potential to improve nursery efficiency, reduce production cycles, and ensure uniform planting material.