Mini-cutting of Ilex paraguariensis clones under different concentrations of indolbutyric acid

Abstract

Ilex paraguariensis is one of the tree species of greatest socioeconomic importance for the Southern region of Brazil, presenting multiple potentialities, being used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. However, the seminal propagation of the species is limited due to low and uneven germination, in addition to the long stratification period of the seeds, necessary for breaking embryonic dormancy. Due to the potential of using vegetative propagation techniques, minicutting is an alternative to overcome such limitations. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the effect of different treatments of indolbutyric acid (IBA) on the rooting of mini cuttings from three clones of yerba mate. Minicuttings were made with 6,0±1,0 cm in length and treated with indolbutyric acid (IBA) in hydroalcoholic solution for 10 seconds, at concentrations of 0, 1500 and 3000 mg L^-1. After 60 days in an acclimatized greenhouse, mini-cuttings were evaluated for rooting percentages, callus formation, mortality, survival and maintenance of leaves, in addition to the average number of roots and length of the three largest roots per mini-cuttings. The application of IBA provides greater root vigor in minicuttings of Ilex paraguariensis, which is evidenced by the greater number and length of roots obtained, with the concentration of 3000 mg L^-1 being the most indicated. Similarly, different rooting percentages are observed in relation to the clones, being the clone IVAÍ 3 (64.88%) the one with the greatest potential for vegetative multiplication.