Abstract
Passiflora actinia Hook (common name: ‘maracujá do mato’) is an important medicinal species due to significant sedative and anxiolytic activities. In order to commercially exploit the plant, however, studies on propagation to improve rooting in stem cuttings are needed. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of the brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol.) extract when applied on P. actinia stem cuttings bases. Five concentrations of the extract in distilled water were evaluated: 0% (pure distilled water), 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 repetitions and 12 cuttings per experimental unit. Cuttings were evaluated 45 days from planting. Data were analyzed through polynomial regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated for all the variables. On average, 51.27% rooting was achieved. Rooting percentage increased linearly according to the brown seaweed extract concentrations. When compared to the control treatment, about 10% increase in rooting was observed at the treatment with 40% seaweed extract. Leaf retention response to A. nodosum increasing concentrations was also adjusted in a positive linear model. A 15.6% increase in leaf retention was observed at the 40% seaweed concentration when compared to the control. Positive correlations were observed for leaf retention and rooting percentage and leaf retention and roots length. The immersion of P. actinia stem cuttings bases in A. nodosum extract at a concentration of 40% promote positive effects on rooting and facilitate the species propagation.
Highlights
Passifloraceae family comprises about 19 genera and 530 species dispersed in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in America and Africa
Passiflora actinia Hook is a Brazilian native species widely distributed in Southern states (SANTOS et al, 2016)
There was a significant dose-dependent effect for all analyzed variables in Passiflora actinia Hook stem cuttings treated with the brown seaweed extract (Figure 2)
Summary
Passifloraceae family comprises about 19 genera and 530 species dispersed in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in America and Africa. The genus Passiflora is the most representative of the family, with approximately 400 species (BERNACCI, 2003). Passiflora species are widely used in traditional medicine, mainly as sedatives, anxiolytics and anticonvulsants (DHAWAN et al, 2004). Studies report the presence of diverse phytochemical compounds in Passiflora, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, phytosterols, cyanogenic heterosides, maltol and alkaloids (ZUANAZZI and MONTANHA, 2004). Passiflora actinia Hook (common name: ‘maracujá-domato’) is a Brazilian native species widely distributed in Southern states (SANTOS et al, 2016). This species stands out due to significant sedative and anxiolytic activities, mainly related to the leaves major compound isovitexin, which acts on benzodiazepine gamma-aminobutyric acid-A receptors (SANTOS et al, 2016; LOLLI et al, 2007). In addition to the secondary metabolites of medicinal interest, the species is extensively appreciated for human and animal feeding (LIMA et al, 2007) and widely recognized for its use as a rootstock for commercial passionfruit farming, due to its tolerance to low temperatures (PIRES et al, 2009)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
