Performance of progeny of different cajuzinho-do-cerrado matrices through storage and weight of nuts

Abstract

Cajuzinho-do-cerrado (Anacardium humile A. STHIL.) has a wide distribution in areas of the Midwest Brazilian Cerrado, it’s fleshy fruits are widely used by regional populations in an extractive way. Despite the promising agro-economic potential, few studies have been developed to domestication of the species. The study aimed to evaluate twenty different matrices of cajuzinhodo- cerrado, checking how the weight and the storage of cashew nuts are related with the emergence percentage and biometric variables of seedling newly formed. Fifty fruits were collected from twenty different matrices of Anacardium humile inside the Emas National Park, Mineiros, GO. All fruits collected showed matured, developed and yellow pedicels. Seven matrices had an excess number of fruits, so it was harvested 50 other cashew nuts, which were stored in cold and dry chamber for a period of six months. The seedlings emergence rates were satisfactory in both, total experiment and for progeny. Reproduction of Anacardium humile through cashew nuts proved to be promising. Weight of cashew nuts did not affect emergence rates or seedlings biometrics. The storage of nuts for six months for planting in autumn was inefficient.