Abstract
Given the potential for commercial exploitation of E. spectabile and aiming to curb predatory extractivism, the development of researches that guide its cultivation becomes relevant. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different substrates and seed positions at sowing on the germination and vigor of seeds from two geographical regions. The experiment design was completely randomized in a 2 x 4 x 2 factorial design (seeds from two geographic regions: i.e., Serra Talhada-PE and Graça-CE, both in Brazil; four substrates: blotting paper, sand, vermiculite and coconut fiber: and two sowing positions: over and in between the substrate). Sowing on blotting paper, sand, vermiculite and coconut fiber, in general, was favorable to germination and germination speed index for seeds from both geographic regions. Sowing in between coconut fiber was detrimental to germination and root development regardless of the seed geographical region. However, sowing in between and over coconut fiber and in between sand favored shoot growth. The best combinations for dry matter production were sowing over paper and sand. The substrates blotting paper, sand, coconut fiber and vermiculite are favorable to E. spectabile seed germination regardless of geographic regions, provided that the sowing is made over the substrates.
Highlights
Drought is a climatic condition affecting several inhabited continents
The substrates blotting paper, sand, coconut fiber and vermiculite are favorable to E. spectabile seed germination regardless of geographic regions, provided that the sowing is made over the substrates
The identification of health-enhancing phytosterols such as campesterol and βsitosterol and the absence of compounds with a significant toxicity in leaves of both E. spectabile and Bromelia laciniosa Mart. ex Schult. f. highlight these species as promising food sources in seasons and regions where there is a frequent water stress, confirming the importance of such plants as food (Juvik et al, 2017)
Summary
Drought is a climatic condition affecting several inhabited continents. It challenges the people’s ability to produce food for both human and animal consumption. The agricultural exploitation of drought-resistant plant species that serve as a food source has become a reality in several regions of the world. In this perspective, the bromeliaceae Encholirium spectabile Mart. F. stands out as resistant to drought It is still used as food in the semiarid region of Caatinga, a Brazilian biome (Nascimento et al, 2012). Dry leaves are used for the preparation of flour (Nascimento et al, 2012)
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