Propagación de Zamia furfuracea L.f. ex Aiton especie amenazada y endémica de Veracruz, México

Abstract

Background: The cycad ( Zamia furfuracea) belonging to the Zamiaceae family, is native to Mexico and is cultivated in arid regions. It is economically significant due to its high ornamental value. However, sexual reproduction is limited because the seeds are recalcitrant, exhibit slow germination, and have a long production period, resulting in a fragmented and reduced population. Objective: To develop an alternative approach for germinating Z. furfuracea plants using different substrates and applying the plant growth regulator gibberellin to establish a protocol for sexual propagation. Methodology : Z. furfuracea seeds were treated with eight different substrate combinations, with and without the application of gibberellin (GA₃): control with gibberellin (pine bark + perlite) (PIR), sand with gibberellin (ACR), gravel with gibberellin (GCR), peat moss + sand + perlite with gibberellin (PER), control without gibberellin (pine bark + perlite) (PISR), sand without gibberellin (ASR), gravel without gibberellin (GSR), and peat moss + sand + perlite without gibberellin (PESR). The following variables were evaluated: percentage de seed germination, number of leaves, stem diameter, root length, and overall plant length. Results: The use of the plant growth regulator gibberellin across different substrates promoted the germination of Z. furfuracea seeds by day 28. The gravel substrate combined with gibberellin yielded the best plant development, reaching a length of 40 cm at 11 months of cultivation. Implications: The choice of substrate should take into account aeration, drainage, and water retention to optimize the initial growth of plants. Conclusion: The application of substrates supplemented with gibberellin represents an efficient alternative to enhance the germination process, potentially allowing for the development of plants in greenhouse conditions before field transplantation.