This study aimed to determine the optimum plot size in eucalypt clonal tests by means of the Maximum Modified Curvation, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and Visual Analysis methods, based on the characteristics height, diameter at breast height and volume. Based on four clonal tests arranged in a randomized block design with four repetitions and experimental square plots of 25 plants (5x5), different plot sizes were established with 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 plants, to determine the optimum plot size by means of the methods Maximum Modified Curvation, intraclass correlation coefficient and visual analysis. It was concluded that at initial clone selection programs, plots of 5 to 10 plants provide good experimental accuracy, especially recommended when only a limited number of cuttings is available as well as a high number of test clones and evaluations of preliminary type and at early ages.
Clonal forestry; Eucalyptus; cloning
