Growth and development of guaraná seedlings

Abstract

Through observations in more than 1.500 guaraná (Paullinia cupana HPK) seedlings in two locations and in absence of interplant light competition and good nursery management the emergence occurs in periods of 70 days or more, causing significant differences of age between seedlings. It was also observed that the seed germination is independent of the harvest period. The rue of leave production was approximately of three leaves every three months. Composite leaves were produced after the apparition of the sixth or seventh simple leave. The acclimation process under sunlight conditions, at the age of eight to ten months affected the growth of foliar area, reducing the relative foliar growth rate. A recuperation of the foliar growth rate was observed at the age of twelve months when the seedlings showed approximately nine leaves.