In the rubber tree cultivation [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr. de Juss.) Muell.-Arg.], the most used propagation method is budding. The expected uniformity by using vegetative propagation is however not verified in fields commercial, because high variation for vigour and yield traits are induced by the rootstocks used. Based on this issue and on the economical importance of the rubber tree in São Paulo State, this study had as main objective the indication of the best combination of clones and rootstocks for planting in the State, aiming at high vigour and productivity. Analysed data were five years of dry rubber yield from an experiment in split-plot design with four replications, conducted at Pindorama (SP). Treatments comprised 36 different combinations, subjected to analysis of variance and mean comparions of six rootsocks and six scions. It was observed strong effects of rootstock over the anylised variables, as well as differential behaviour among the tested combinations. It was concluded that, PB 235, GT 1 and IAN 873 induced the largest yields, and should be recommended to the conditions of Planalto Paulista; the use of unselected seedlings (SNS) as rootstocks is not recommended as it showed very low yields when compared to selected rootstock seedlings.
Hevea; natural rubber; budding; vegetative propagation
