Propagação vegetativa do pequizeiro (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) por estaquia: estratégia para conservação e uso sustentável no Cerrado

Abstract

The pequi tree (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) is an emblematic native species of the Brazilian Cerrado, of great ecological and socioeconomic importance. Although widely used by traditional communities, its propagation is still primarily by seed, which limits its production due to dormancy and low germination rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rooting of pequi cuttings as a function of the age of the mother plant, cutting type, substrate, and the influence of pruning. Two experiments were conducted in a greenhouse environment with intermittent misting. The first experiment evaluated the use of three substrates (Bioplant®, Amafibra®, and MecPlant®), two types of cuttings (herbaceous and semi-hardwood), and two plant ages (young and mature). The second experiment evaluated the effect of rejuvenation pruning on young and mature trees. The variables analyzed were: live cuttings (EV), cuttings with callus (EC), cuttings with root primordia (PR), rooted cuttings (ER), and average root size (TR). The results showed that: (i) cuttings from young plants showed greater survival and root primordia formation compared to those from adult plants; (ii) there was no significant difference between herbaceous and semi-hardwood cuttings, although herbaceous cuttings showed greater callus formation and PR; (iii) the Bioplant® substrate presented the best results in LV and EC; and (iv) rejuvenation pruning negatively influenced all parameters evaluated, regardless of plant age. Therefore, we conclude that vegetative propagation of pequi trees by cuttings is viable, especially using cuttings from young plants in Bioplant® substrate, and that rejuvenation pruning is recommended after cuttings are taken.