Aclimatização de bastão-do-imperador (Etlingera elatior) em substratos à base de coco

Abstract

Acclimation is a stage in micro-propagation that requires special attention due to the difficult process involving the successful transfer of in vitro plantlets to the greenhouse. The objective of this work was to assess the efficacy of coconut-based substrates in ginger flower acclimation. Seedlings from in vitro cultivation initially presented an average height of 6.2 ± 4 cm. They were grown in polypropylene vases kept in a nursery, with 70% of light. The following treatments were used: sand, coconut powder, de-fibered coconut, coconut powder + sand, de-fibered coconut + sand, and coconut powder + de-fibered coconut. Five months after transplantation, the following variables were analyzed: survival rate, aerial part height, fresh matter, number of seedlings, root dry matter, and substrate pH. Sand, powder coconut + sand and de-fibered coconut + sand showed the best results for all variables analyzed, and they are recommended for ginger flower acclimation.