Vegetative propagation of Richeria grandis Vahl. by mini-cutting

Abstract

Due to deforestation in Gallery Forests, the current environmental law requires their restoration. Using only seminal propagation for native species of this environment has limited the production of seedlings as the seeds of some species often have limiting factors. Richeria grandis Vahl., besides being a characteristic species of this environment, has high value in phytosociological importance; however, it has recalcitrant seeds. In view of this, the objective was to evaluate the rooting of R. grandis Vahl. mini-cuttings under the influence of indolebutyric acid (IBA) concentrations. Apical mini-cuttings were prepared with length of 8 ± 2 cm and two pairs of leaves with their leaf area reduced by 50%. For rooting, a mixture of 70% vermiculite and 30% carbonized rice husk with fertilizer was used as substrate. As treatments, four IBA concentrations were tested: 0; 2,000; 4,000; and 6,000 mg L-1, liquid in solution, for 10 seconds. The rooting of mini-cuttings was conducted in a greenhouse, for a period of 90 days. According to the results, this technique is feasible, since there was 100% survival and a high percentage of rooting, with the control treatment having the lowest value (85%). Calluses were found in non-rooted mini-cuttings and, using IBA, there was a tendency to increase the mean number of roots, sprouting percentage and mean sprouts per treatment.