Propagation of erva-baleeira (Cordia verbenacea DC.) by cutting

Abstract

The erva-baleeira (Cordia verbenacea DC.) is a medicinal herb from whose leaves essential oil is extracted for the manufacture of the external use phytotherapeutic medicine, such as pain-killer and anti-inflammatory agents. Seedlings from plant are a slow process which produces genetic variability and makes difficult commercial planting. Vegetative propagation by cutting is the most feasible alternative. Current assay evaluates the different types of cuttings in the plant´s propagation. Semi-lignin (basal) leaf-less cuttings, herbaceous (from the middle of the branches) and tips (apical) with two half-leaves were used. Cuttings were planted in substrate with a mixture of sand and expanded vermiculite at 1:1 and maintained with micro-aspersion irrigation. Variables mortality, number of leaves, number of branches, number and length of roots were evaluated after 75 days. Semi-lignin cuttings had the highest mortality rates (30%), whereas herbaceous cuttings had the lowest one (0.3%). Herbaceous cuttings had the greatest average number in leaves and the greatest root length means. On the other hand, apical cuttings had the largest amount of leaves, averaging 9 roots, and a root percentage of 87%. Herbaceous and apical cuttings are mostly recommended for the propagation of the erva-baleeira.