Vegetative Propagation of Himatanthus sucuuba (Spruce ex Müll. Arg.) Woodson by Stem Cuttings

Abstract

The vegetative propagation by cuttings can be an advantageous alternative to the production of Himatanthus sucuuba seedlings because it allows the obtention of a large number of plants genetically identical to the matrix plant in a shorter time and space. However, such a technique is simultaneously influenced by different factors that can compromise its success. In this sense, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different types of cuttings and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentration, on the survival and rooting of cuttings of H. sucuuba. The experimental design used was in randomized complete blocks, with a factorial arrangement: 2 types of cuttings (with and without leaves) and 3 concentrations of IBA (0, 1000 and 3000 mg L–1). After 100 days, were evaluated the following variables: survival (%), rooting (%), number of roots per cutting, length of the largest root (cm), number of leaves and dry biomass. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means compared by Tukey’s test at p < 0.05. The survival and rooting percentages were higher than 70% in all treatments. There was no significance for the interaction of the factors analyzed, neither for the effect of AIB, analyzed in isolation. The type of stake exerted the greatest influence, with emphasis on the cuttings with leaves, which stood out in most of the factors analyzed. The propagation of H. sucuuba to cuttings was considered viable, and the maintenance of the leaves, associated with juvenility of the propagules, was determining factors in the conditions in which this study was developed.