Quality of clonal plants of Piptocarpha angustifolia in different renewable substrates and seasons of the year

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different compositions of renewable substrates and seasons of the year on the quality of Piptocarpha angustifolia clonal plants. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a 4x6 factorial arrangement (four seasons x six substrate compositions). The analyzed substrates were: S1, commercial substrate with pine bark and coconut fiber base (CF); S2, carbonized rice husk (CRH); S3, fibrous and grainy CF; S4, 50% CF and 50% CRH; S5, 30% CF and 70% CRH; and S6, 70% CF and 30% CRH. Minicuttings of 8±1 cm were planted in tubes of 110 cm³ and placed in a greenhouse, during the four seasons of the year. The evaluated variables were: survival and number of roots at 70 days; survival and emission of shoots at 100 days; rooting, shoot height, stem diameter, and their ratios; easiness of removal from tubes; aggregation to the substrate; and multiplication rate at 130 days. The highest CRH/CF ratio favored the development of better-quality plants, and S5 was the most adequate substrate. Spring is more favorable to the survival and quality of cuttings, and, together with summer, favors the highest multiplication rates. The S5 substrate has better physical and chemical quality and improves P. angustifolia clonal plants.