This study was undertaken to identify physiological characteristics of cuttings from five eucalypt clones, growing in small plastic tubes (60 mL) to subsidize early selection for planting in sites with varying soil water availability. Stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration, leaf water potential and net photosynthesis of plants maintained fully irrigated and under water deficit were studied. The clones 1250 and 1260 presented reduction in stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration in water stressed plants, which maintained high leaf water potential. On the other hand, the clones 0321 and 1277 kept exhibiting high leaf stomatal conductance and transpiration and presented sharp decrease in leaf water potential under water stress condition. These two clones presented the highest net photosynthesis after several drying cycles. The clones 1277 presented a significant leaf abscission after the first drying cycle and a prompt recover after being re-watered, which indicates that this clone may tolerate dryer environments.
Eucalypts; water relations; early selection
