Temporal profiling of physiological, histological, and transcriptomic dissection during auxin-induced adventitious root formation in tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia micro-cuttings.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Optimal levels of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) applied at the stem base promote adventitious root (AR) initiation and primordia formation, thus promoting the rooting of leafy micro-cuttings of tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia. Tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia L. is a widely cultivated tree in most regions of China that has a hard-rooting capability, propagated by stem cuttings. This study utilizes histological, physiological, and transcriptomic approaches to explore how root primordia are induced after indole butyric acid (IBA) treatment of micro-cuttings. IBA application promoted cell divisions in some cells within the vasculature, showing subcellular features associated with adventitious root (AR) founder cells. The anatomical structure explicitly showed that AR initiated from the cambium layer and instigate the inducible development of AR primordia. Meanwhile, the hormone data showed that similar to that of indole-3-acetic acid, the contents of trans-zeatin and abscisic acid peaked at early stages of AR formation and increased gradually in primordia formation across the subsequent stages, suggesting their indispensable roles in AR induction. On the contrary, 24-epibrassinolide roughly maintained at extremely high levels during primordium initiation thoroughly, indicating its presence was involved in cell-specific reorganization during AR development. Furthermore, antioxidant activities transiently increased in the basal region of micro-cuttings and may serve as biochemical indicators for distinct rooting phases, potentially aiding in AR formation. Transcriptomic analysis during the early stages of root formation shows significant downregulation of the abscisic acid and jasmonate signaling pathways, while ethylene and cytokinin signaling seems upregulated. Network analysis of genes involved in carbon metabolism and photosynthesis indicates that the basal region of the micro-cuttings undergoes rapid reprogramming, which results in the breakdown of sugars into pyruvate. This pyruvate is then utilized to fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle, thereby sustaining growth through aerobic respiration. Collectively, our findings provide a time-course morphophysiological dissection and also suggest the regulatory role of a conserved auxin module in AR development in these species.

Species-specific effects of production practices on genetic diversity in plant reintroduction programs.

Plant production practices can influence the genetic diversity of cultivated plant materials and, ultimately, their potential to adapt to a reintroduction site. A common step in the plant production process is the application of seed pretreatment to alleviate physiological seed dormancy and successfully germinate seeds. In production settings, the seeds that germinate more rapidly may be favored in order to fill plant quotas. In this study, we investigated how the application of cold-moist stratification treatments with different durations can lead to differences in the genetic diversity of the propagated plant materials. Specifically, we exposed seeds of three Viola species to two different cold stratification durations, and then we analyzed the genetic diversity of the resulting subpopulations through double-digestion restriction site-associated sequencing (ddRADseq). Our results show that, in two out of three species, utilizing a short stratification period will decrease the genetic diversity of neutral and expressed loci, likely due to the imposition of a genetic bottleneck and artificial selection. We conclude that, in some species, the use of minimal stratification practices in production may jeopardize the adaptive potential and long-term persistence of reintroduced populations and suggest that practitioners carefully consider the evolutionary implications of their production protocols. We highlight the need to consider the germination ecology of target species when selecting the length of dormancy-breaking pretreatments.

Propagation of Medicinal Plants for Sustainable Livelihoods, Economic Development, and Biodiversity Conservation in South Africa.

South Africa is blessed with vast plant resources and unique vegetation types. Indigenous South African medicinal plants have been well-harnessed to generate income in rural communities. Many of these plants have been processed into natural products to heal a variety of diseases, making them valuable export commodities. South Africa has one of the most effective bio-conservation policies in Africa, which has protected the South African indigenous medicinal vegetation. However, there is a strong link between government policies for biodiversity conservation, the propagation of medicinal plants as a source of livelihood, and the development of propagation techniques by research scientists. Tertiary institutions nationwide have played a crucial role in the development of effective propagation protocols for valuable South African medicinal plants. The government-restricted harvest policies have also helped to nudge natural product companies and medicinal plant marketers to embrace the cultivated plants for their medicinal uses, and thus have helped support the South African economy and biodiversity conservation. Propagation methods used for the cultivation of the relevant medicinal plants vary according to plant family and vegetation type, among others. Plants from the Cape areas, such as the Karoo, are often resuscitated after bushfires, and propagation protocols mimicking these events have been established through seed propagation protocols with controlled temperatures and other conditions, to establish seedlings of such plants. Thus, this review highlights the role of the propagation of highly utilized and traded medicinal plants in the South African traditional medicinal system. Some valuable medicinal plants that sustain livelihoods and are highly sought-after as export raw materials are discussed. The effect of South African bio-conservation registration on the propagation of these plants and the roles of the communities and other stakeholders in the development of propagation protocols for highly utilized and endangered medicinal plants are also covered. The role of various propagation methods on the bioactive compounds' composition of medicinal plants and issues of quality assurance are addressed. The available literature, media online news, newspapers, and other resources, such as published books and manuals, were scrutinized for information.

Incorporation of Organic Growth Additives to Enhance In Vitro Tissue Culture for Producing Genetically Stable Plants.

The growing demand for native planting material in ecological restoration and rehabilitation for agro-silvo-pastoral ecosystems has resulted in a major global industry in their sourcing, multiplication, and sale. Plant tissue culture is used for producing high-quality, disease-free, and true-to-type plants at a fast rate. Micropropagation can help to meet the increasing demand for planting material and afforestation programs. However, in vitro plant propagation is an expensive technique compared to conventional methods using suckers, seeds, and cuttings. Therefore, adopting measures to lower production costs without compromising plant quality is essential. This can be achieved by improving the culture media composition. Incorporating organic growth additives can stimulate tissue growth and increase the number of shoots, leaves, and roots in culture media. Organic growth supplementation speeds up the formation and development of cultures and yields vigorous plants. Plant regeneration from meristems (shoot tips and axillary buds) is a reliable way to produce true-to-type plants compared with callus and somatic embryogenesis regeneration, but in vitro culture environments can be mutagenic. Therefore, detecting somaclonal variations at an early stage of development is considered crucial in propagating plants. The genetic stability of in vitro regenerated plants needs to be ascertained by using DNA-based molecular markers. This review aims to provide up-to-date research progress on incorporating organic growth additives to enhance in vitro tissue culture protocols and to emphasize the importance of using PCR-based molecular markers such as RAPD, ISSR, SSR, and SCoT. The review was assessed based on the peer-reviewed works published in scientific databases including Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, JSTOR, onlinelibrary, and Google Scholar.

Dataset on the shooting and rooting ability of Morus alba using waste tea residue derived carbon dots as an alternative of growth plant stimulator.

The data article ex vitro (vegetative plant propagation) culture techniques are sustainable alternatives to the large-scale production of economically important plant species. Morus alba is an essential species that is mainly considered to be economically important due to their potential use as silk production, medicine and food. In this work, we evaluated the data of effects of different concentration of Waste Tea Residue Carbon Dots (WTR-CDs) on the ex vitro growth of morus. This dataset can be beneficial for researchers finding alternative eco-friendly, biodegradable and cost-friendly substitute for plant growth stimulator that are helpful for plant propagation during plant production program. Time consuming and low germination ratio of seeds are the most restricting triggers for commercial use for large-scale cultivation of plant species. Use of WTR-CDs in ex vitro culture technology is an appropriate alternative approach for large-scale production of plants within a short period of time.

Expression Profile of PIN-Formed Auxin Efflux Carrier Genes during IBA-Induced In Vitro Adventitious Rooting in Olea europaea L.

Exogenous auxins supplementation plays a central role in the formation of adventitious roots (AR) for several plant species. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of adventitious rooting are still not completely understood and many plants with economic value, including several olive cultivars, exhibit a recalcitrant behavior towards cutting propagation, which limits its availability in plant nurseries. PIN-formed proteins are auxin efflux transporters that have been widely characterized in several plant species due to their involvement in many developmental processes including root formation. The present study profiled the expression of the OePIN1a-c, OePIN2b, OePIN3a-c, OePIN5a-c, OePIN6, and OePIN8 gene members during indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)-induced in vitro adventitious rooting using the olive cultivar 'Galega vulgar'. Gene expression analysis by quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR) showed drastic downregulation of most transcripts, just a few hours after explant inoculation, in both nontreated and IBA-treated microcuttings, albeit gene downregulation was less pronounced in IBA-treated stems. In contrast, OePIN2b showed a distinct expression pattern being upregulated in both conditions, and OePIN5b was highly upregulated in IBA-induced stems. All transcripts, except OePIN8, showed different expression profiles between nontreated and IBA-treated explants throughout the rooting experiment. Additionally, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed soon after explant preparation, decreasing a few hours after inoculation. Altogether, the results suggest that wounding-related ROS production, associated with explant preparation for rooting, may have an impact on auxin transport and distribution via changes in OePIN gene expression. Moreover, the application of exogenous auxin may modulate auxin homeostasis through regulation of those genes, leading to auxin redistribution throughout the stem-base tissue, which may ultimately play an important role in AR formation.

Integration of Phenotype and Hormone Data during Adventitious Rooting in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) Stem Cuttings.

The rooting of stem cuttings is a highly efficient procedure for the vegetative propagation of ornamental plants. In cultivated carnations, an increased auxin level in the stem cutting base produced by active auxin transport from the leaves triggers adventitious root (AR) formation from the cambium. To provide additional insight into the physiological and genetic basis of this complex trait, we studied AR formation in a collection of 159 F1 lines derived from a cross between two hybrid cultivars (2003 R 8 and 2101-02 MFR) showing contrasting rooting performances. In three different experiments, time-series for several stem and root architectural traits were quantified in detail in a subset of these double-cross hybrid lines displaying extreme rooting phenotypes and their parental genotypes. Our results indicate that the water content and area of the AR system directly contributed to the shoot water content and shoot growth. Moreover, morphometric data and rooting quality parameters were found to be associated with some stress-related metabolites such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), the ethylene precursor, and the conjugated auxin indol-3-acetic acid-aspartic acid (IAA-Asp).

Ten years of native seed certification in Germany - a summary.

Many renaturation projects and compensation areas are based on the use of seeds from regional indigenous wild plants; in the following: native or regional seeds. Despite this, such seeds make up only a small proportion of the total number of seeds used for greening projects; in Germany, for example, it is only around 1% (=200 t per year). Although the market for regional seeds is small, it is highly competitive. High-priced native seeds compete with flower mixes of unspecified origin and can only be differentiated from them by reliable quality seals. A quality assurance system based on seed legislation (EU Directive 2010/60, preservation mixtures) has been developed in a few European countries. However, quality assurance ends with the sale of the seeds. Thus, seed use remains unmonitored, and often unsuitable material, or material foreign to the region, is planted in restoration areas. Unfortunately, nature conservation has not made seed-based restoration one of its key issues, neither at the European nor at the national level. Currently there are many different local and regional standards, methods and private certificates that are confusing for users and which provide little continuity and predictability for producers. We recommend the establishment of an EU directive or a broadly agreed recommendation to the EU member states, spearheaded by nature conservation, which would define the standards for producing and using native seeds (e.g. harmonised regions that cross national borders, quality regulations). At the same time, wild plant interest groups should combine existing structures in order to strengthen seed-based restoration through international cooperation.

Novel Avenues for Plant Protection: Plant Propagation by Somatic Embryogenesis Enhances Resistance to Insect Feeding.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE), a clonal propagation method utilizing somatic cells, occurs under conditions that activate plant stress adaptation mechanisms such as production of protective secondary metabolites. Surprisingly, possible differences in susceptibility to insect pests between SE-generated and conventionally cultivated plants have not been previously explored. Here, we recorded frequencies and levels of bark-feeding damage by pine weevils (Hylobius abietis) in two large field trials, consisting of emblings (SE-propagated plants) and seedlings from 50 half-sib Norway spruce (Picea abies) families. We found that emblings were less frequently attacked by pine weevils, and when attacked, they were damaged to a lesser extent than seedlings. Moreover, we detected significant additive genetic variation in damage levels received by plants, indicating a heritable component to differences in resistance to insect herbivory among half-sib families. We present first-time evidence that emblings can be more resistant than seedlings to herbivorous insect damage, thus, SE appears to confer a previously unknown plant protection advantage. This finding indicates novel avenues to explore mechanisms underlying plant resistance and new approaches to develop non-toxic measures against insect pests.

Seed dormancy and germination vary within and among species of milkweeds.

Pollinators in general and monarch butterflies in particular are in decline due to habitat loss. Efforts to restore habitats for insects that rely on specific plant groups as larvae or adults depend on the ability of practitioners to grow and produce these plants. Monarch larvae feed exclusively on milkweed species, primarily in the genus Asclepias, making propagation and restoration of these plants crucial for habitat restoration. Seed germination protocols for milkweeds are not well established, in part due to the large number of milkweed species and conflicting reports of seed dormancy in the genus. We tested for seed dormancy and the optimum period of cold stratification in 15 populations of A. speciosa and 1-2 populations of five additional species, including A. asperula, A. fascicularis, A. subulata, A. subverticillata and A. syriaca. We exposed seeds to cold (5 °C) moist conditions for 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks and then moved them to 15 °C/25 °C alternating temperatures. In A. speciosa, dormancy was detected in eight populations, and this dormancy was broken by 2-4 weeks of cold stratification. The remaining seven populations showed no dormancy. Seed dormancy was also detected in two populations of A. fascicularis (broken by 4-6 weeks of cold stratification) and a single population of A. syriaca (broken by 2 weeks of cold stratification). No dormancy was detected in A. asperula, A. subulata or A. subverticillata. Seed dormancy appears to be widespread in the genus (confirmed in 15 species) but can vary between populations even within the same species. Variation in seed dormancy and cold stratification requirements within and among Asclepias species suggests local adaptation and maternal environments may drive seedling ecology, and that growers should watch for low germination and use cold stratification as needed to maximize seed germination and retain genetic variability in restored populations.

Inducible somatic embryogenesis in Theobroma cacao achieved using the DEX-activatable transcription factor-glucocorticoid receptor fusion.

OBJECTIVES: To carry out mass propagation of superior plants to improve agricultural and silvicultural production though advancements in plant cell totipotency, or the ability of differentiated somatic plant cells to regenerate an entire plant. RESULTS: The first demonstration of a titratable control over somatic embryo formation in a commercially relevant plant, Theobroma cacao (Chocolate tree), was achieved using a dexamethasone activatable chimeric transcription factor. This four-fold enhancement in embryo production rate utilized a glucocorticoid receptor fused to an embryogenic transcription factor LEAFY COTYLEDON 2. Where previous T. cacao somatic embryogenesis has been restricted to dissected flower parts, this construct confers an unprecedented embryogenic potential to leaves. CONCLUSIONS: Activatable chimeric transcription factors provide a means for elucidating the regulatory cascade associated with plant somatic embryogenesis towards improving its use for somatic regeneration of transgenics and plant propagation.

Porta-enxertos e fixadores de enxerto para enxertia hipocotiledonar de maracujazeiro azedo / Rootstocks and tying materials for hipocotyledonar grafting of yellow passion fruit

RESUMO:Avaliou-se a enxertia hipocotiledonar de maracujazeiro azedo em porta-enxertos de Passiflora alata, P. edulis, P. cincinnata e P. gibertii utilizando-se, como fixadores para envolvimento da região da enxertia, fita adesiva tipo crepe, grampo metálico de cabelo e grampo de enxertia a mola. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 3 (porta-enxerto x fixador), com 12 tratamentos, três repetições e oito plantas na parcela. Utilizou-se a enxertia hipocotiledonar pelo método de garfagem de topo em fenda cheia. Avaliaram-se diâmetro de caule, altura de planta e número de folhas do porta-enxerto no momento da enxertia, percentagem de sobrevivência da enxertia, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e altura do enxerto aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após a enxertia. A sobrevivência do enxerto de maracujazeiro azedo foi elevada, em geral, sendo equivalente para todos os porta-enxertos avaliados, demonstrando a eficiência da técnica. O uso dos fixadores de enxertia resultou em elevada percentagem de sobrevivência dos enxertos sem se verificarem diferenças entre os fixadores. Aos 90 dias após a enxertia, o maracujazeiro azedo, enxertado em P. alata apresentou menor crescimento em relação àqueles enxertados em P. edulis e P. gibertii.

ABSTRACT:The hipocotyledonar grafting of yellow passion fruit was evaluated onto Passiflora alata, P. edulis, P. cincinnata and P. gibertii with masking tape, metallic hair clip and spring plastic graf clip as tying materials. Experimental design was randomized blocks in a factorial 4 x 3 (rootstock x tying material) with 12 treatments, three replications and eight plants in the unit. The hipocotyledonar grafting method utilized was apical cleft grafting. Collected data included stem diameter, plant height and leaf number of rootstocks at grafting, and graft survival rate, stem diameter, leaf number and height 30, 60 and 90 days after grafting. Graft survival rate was high in general and equivalent among the evaluated rootstocks, indicating that apical cleft hipocotyledonar grafting was an efficient technique. All tying materials led to similar graft survival rates. Yellow passion fruit grafted onto P. alata presented lower canopy growth in relation to plants grafted onto P. edulis and P. gibertii, 90 days after grafting.

A temporary immersion plant propagation bioreactor with decoupled gas and liquid flows for enhanced control of gas phase.

Temporary immersion bioreactors (TIBs) are being used to propagate superior plant species on a commercial scale. We demonstrate a new TIB design, a Hydrostatic-driven TIB (Hy-TIB), where periodic raising and lowering the media reservoir maintains the advantages of temporary immersion of plant tissues without requiring large amounts of gas to move the media that is a characteristic of other TIB designs. The advantage of utilizing low volumes of gas mixtures (that are more expensive than air) is shown by a doubling of the growth rate of plant root cultures under elevated (40%) oxygen in air, and with CO2 supplementation showing improved phototrophic and photomixotrophic growth of seedless watermelon meristem cultures. The development of this bioreactor system involved overcoming contamination issues associated with utilizing very low gas flow rates and included utilizing microchip pressure sensors to diagnose unexpected changes in internal bioreactor pressure (± 20 Pa ∼0.0002 atm) caused by flexing of non-rigid plastic bag vessels. The overall design seeks to achieve versatility, scalability and minimum cost such that bioreactor technology can play an increasing role in the critical need to improve plant productivity in the face of increasing demand for food, reduced resources, and environmental degradation. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:337-345, 2016.

Shoot growth restriction in dry matter partitioning andminituber production of potato plants / Restrição do crescimento da parte aérea na partição de assimilados e produtividade de minitubérculos de batata

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of shoot growth restriction in the dry matter partitioning and minituber production of potato plants grown in a closed soilless system. Minitubers of the cultivars 'Macaca' and 'Asterix' were planted in the greenhouse in the density of 100 hills m-2, during autumn and spring growing seasons. Growth restriction levels were gotten by pruning shoots at 10, 20 and 30cm height or without pruning. The growth restriction levels were identified by their respective leaf area index. The experiment was a factorial (cultivars x growth restriction x growing season) in a random design, with four replications. Growth restriction affected the dry matter production of potato plants in both growing seasons and cultivars. Pruning potato plants at 30cm is a feasible technique to control leaf area index and it has lower effect on harvest index and number than in dry matter production of minitubers. Growth restriction does not change dry matter partitioning of potato plants grown in soilless system.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o efeito da restrição do crescimento da parte aérea pela poda verde, na partição de matéria seca das plantas e na produtividade de minitubérculos de batata em sistema fechado de cultivo sem solo. Minitubérculos das cultivares 'Macaca' e 'Asterix' foram plantados em telado na densidade de 100 covas m-2 nos cultivos de outono e primavera. As restrições do crescimento da parte aérea foram obtidas pela poda verde aos 10, 20 e 30cm de altura e uma testemunha sem restrição. Os níveis de restrição do crescimento foram identificados pelos respectivos índices de área foliar. O experimento foi conduzido em um fatorial (cultivares x restrição do crescimento x épocas de cultivo) no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. A restrição do crescimento da parte aérea afetou a produção de matéria seca das plantas de batata de ambas cultivares e épocas de cultivo. A poda verde a 30cm de altura é uma técnica eficaz para controlar o índice de área foliar e tem menor efeito no índice de colheita e no número do que na produção de matéria seca de minitubérculos. A restrição do crescimento da parte aérea não altera a partição de matéria seca das plantas de batata no cultivo sem solo.

Germinação de 15 espécies vegetais do cerrado sob diferentes condições de luz / Germination of 15 cerrado plant species under different light conditions

A ausência de conhecimento sobre a germinação de plantas do Cerrado tem sido apontada como importante obstáculo à propagação dessas espécies e, consequentemente, à restauração da vegetação. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o comportamento de quinze espécies herbáceas, arbustivas e arbóreas do Cerrado, semeadas em diferentes condições de luz. Realizamos um experimento em viveiro, onde as sementes foram expostas a pleno sol e sob sombreamento a 75%, com cinco repetições por espécie e 10 tubetes por repetição, totalizando 1500 sementes. Acompanhamos a germinação diariamente durante nove meses. Das quinze espécies estudadas doze germinaram, sendo três apenas na sombra e quatro apenas a pleno sol. De modo geral, a germinação foi baixa, sendo que seis espécies tiveram no máximo 10% de sementes germinadas. Somente duas espécies apresentaram germinação superior a 50%. Três espécies apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os dois tratamentos para a germinação: Cyrtocymura scorpioides e Fimbristylis autumnalis, típicas de fisionomias campestres, cuja germinação foi maior a pleno sol, e Styrax pohlii, espécie de ambiente florestal, que germinou mais à sombra, características essas que podem explicar os resultados observados. Algumas espécies permaneceram viáveis no substrato por muito tempo e continuaram germinando mesmo cinco meses após a semeadura. Esses resultados confirmam que a luz pode influenciar diferentemente a germinação das plantas do Cerrado. As baixas taxas de germinação e a variabilidade no tempo para germinar são importantes desafios a serem superados pela ciência e pela tecnologia para a propagação das espécies do Cerrado, seja por meio da produção de mudas ou semeadura direta. Informações sobre as respostas das espécies a diferentes fatores abióticos são essenciais para aumentar as chances de sucesso dessas técnicas, permitindo ampliar o número de espécies a serem utilizados na restauração.

The lack of knowledge about germination of Brazilian Savanna species has been pointed out as an important constrain to their propagation and, as a consequence, to ecological restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the germination of fifteen herb, shrub and tree Savanna species under different light conditions. We carried out a nursery experiment, sowing the seeds under full sunlight and 75% shade. The experimental design comprised five replicates per species and 10 pots per replicate, in a total of 1500 seeds. We monitored germination daily during nine months. Twelve out of the fifteen species germinated, being three exclusively under 75% shade and four exclusively under full sun. The overall germination was low; six species showed no more than 10% of germination and only two species germinated more than 50%. Three species differed significantly between treatments: Cyrtocymura scorpioides and Fimbristylis autumnalis, which are frequent in open grassland savannas and showed higher germination under full sun, and Styrax pohlii, which is more common in wooded savannas and had higher germination under shade. The natural occurrence of those species in such environments might help to explain our results. Some species remained viable for a long time in the soil, and still germinated five months after sowing. Our results agree with other studies showing that light may differently affect germination of savanna species. The low germination rates and the variability in the time to germinate are important challenges to be overcome by science and technology for the propagation of the Cerrado species, either through the production of seedlings or direct sowing. Information on species response to different abiotic factors are essential to increase the chances of success of such techniques, and to increase the number of species to be used in restoration projects.

Formação de mudas de alface em bandejas preenchidas com diferentes substratos / Formation of lettuce seedlings in trays filled with different substrates

O presente trabalho foi conduzido no Setor de Olericultura e Experimentação da Universidade José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS), no município de Alfenas - MG, Brasil, com o objetivo de avaliar a formação de mudas de alface em bandejas preenchidas com diferentes substratos. Os materiais usados para compor os substratos foram a cama de suínos com base de maravalha (M), cama de suínos com base de palha de café (C), húmus de minhoca (H) e os substratos comerciais Nutriorg® e Plantmax®. O uso puro destes substratos e várias misturas possibilitaram a formação de 18 substratos que constituiram os tratamentos. O arranjo experimental foi o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três repetições. As mudas de alface formadas foram da cultivar Regina. A semeadura foi realizada em bandejas de isopor com 128 células, preenchidas com os substratos em estudo, sendo cada unidade experimental formada por 64 células. A condução do experimento foi dentro de uma estrutura de proteção de 85 m2, modelo capela, com cobertura de plástico transparente de 100 micra de espessura, aditivada contra raios ultravioletas. Aos 30 dias do semeio, foram colhidas dez plântulas, ao acaso, dentro de cada unidade experimental, para avaliar o número de folhas e a altura das plantas. Também foram avaliadas as massas fresca e seca da parte aérea e massas fresca e seca da raiz. Concluiu-se que o substrato T1 ­M reuniu as melhores características para a formação de mudas de alface em bandejas de isopor de 128 células.

Formation of lettuce seedlings in trays filled with different substrates This study was conducted in the Department of Horticulture and Experimentation at the University José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS) in Alfenas-MG, Brasil in order to evaluate the formation of lettuce seedlings in trays filled with different substrates. The materials used to compose the substrates were pig bed base with wood shavings (M), pig bed with base coffee straw (C), earthworm humus (H) and commercial substrates Nutriorg® and Plantmax® The use of these pure substrates and various mixtures permitted the formation of 18 substrates that constituted the treatments. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with three replications. The lettuce seedlings were formed with the lettuce cultivar Regina. The seeds were sown in trays with 128 cells filled with the substrates under study. Each experimental unit was compost of 64 cells. The conduct of the experiment was within a protective structure of 85 m2, model chapel with transparent plastic cover 100 microns thickness, additives against ultraviolet rays. After 30 days of sowing, ten seedlings were harvested randomly within each experimental unit for evaluating the number of leaves and the plant height. It was also evaluated the fresh and dry mass of aerial part and fresh and dry mass of root. It was concluded that the substrate T1 ­ M met the best features for the formation of lettuce seedlings in trays of 128 cells.

Enraizamento de microestacas de Lavandula angustifolia / Rooting of Lavandula angustifolia microcuttings

A eliminação da etapa de enraizamento in vitro na micropropagação de plantas é desejável do ponto de vista econômico, além de proporcionar a melhoria na qualidade do sistema radicial formado. Dois experimentos foram realizados com os objetivos de avaliar diferentes concentrações (0; 2,5; 5,0 e 10mM) de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) no enraizamento ex vitro de lavanda (L. angustifolia), cv. 'Provence Blue' e avaliar a capacidade de enraizamento ex vitro das cultivares 'Vera', 'Provence Blue', 'English' e 'Elegance Ice'. Após 30 dias, foi avaliado o número de microestacas enraizadas, comprimento das raízes principais, porcentagem de enraizamento e porcentagem de sobrevivência. A concentração de 5,0mM de AIB foi mais efetiva para o comprimento de raízes e porcentagem de enraizamento das microestacas de lavanda cv. 'Provence Blue', apesar de reduzir o número de raízes formadas. Entre as cultivares estudadas, a porcentagem de sobrevivência das plantas variou de 82 por cento a 100 por cento. As cultivares apresentaram diferenças no enraizamento ex vitro das microestacas, sendo as maiores médias de porcentagem de enraizamento registradas na 'Provence Blue' e 'Elegance Ice'. Conclui-se que a microestaquia pode ser uma técnica eficiente para a propagação de lavanda, pelo tratamento das microestacas com 5,0mM de AIB, por proporcionar alta porcentagem de enraizamento e sobrevivência das plantas.

Two experiments were carried out aiming to evaluate the ex vitro rooting of L. angustifolia cv. 'Provence Blue' treated with different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10mM) of indolebutyric acid (IBA) with talc as a vehicle to evaluated the ex vitro rooting of 'Vera', 'Provence Blue', 'English' and 'Elegance Ice' lavender cultivars. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse using three concentrations of AIB plus control. After the 30th day, it was evaluated: surviving microcuttings percentage, percentage of rooted microcuttings, roots number, roots length. It was concluded that the microcutting can be an efficient technique for lavender plantlets production, by using micropropagated plants as explants donor. The concentration of 5.0mM IBA was more effective on root length and rooting rate of microcuttings lavender cv. 'Provence Blue', despite reducing the number of roots. Among the cultivars the percentage of plant survival ranged from 82 percent to 100 percent. The lavender cultivars evaluated showed differences in ex vitro microcuttings rooting. The cultivars 'Provence Blue' and 'Elegance Ice' achieved higher percentage of rooting. The cultivars had no influence on the percentage of microcuttings survival. It was concluded that the microcuttings can be an efficient technique for the propagation of lavender since microcuttings treated with 5.0mM IBA have higher survival and rooting percentage of rooting and survival.

Interação entre fungos micorrízicos arbusculares e ácido indolbutírico sobre o desenvolvimento vegetativo de plântulas do porta-enxerto de pessegueiro 'Aldrighi' / Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and indolebutyric acid interaction on vegetative growth of 'Aldrighi' peach rootstocks seedlings

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar o efeito da interação entre três espécies de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) (Gigaspora margarita W.N. Becker & I.R. Hall., Glomus clarum Nicol & Schenck e Glomus etunicatum Becker & Gerd) e a aplicação radicular de ácido indolbutírico (AIB; 1,5 g.L-1) sobre o crescimento vegetativo e nutrição mineral de mudas do porta-enxerto de pessegueiro (Prunus persica) cv. Aldrighi. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com oito tratamentos, quatro repetições por tratamento e dez plantas por parcela. A aplicação do AIB não alterou o desenvolvimento vegetativo das plantas cultivadas em ausência de FMAs, apesar de aumentar a quantidade de potássio nos tecidos. Glomus clarum e Glomus etunicatum incrementaram o crescimento vegetativo e o conteúdo de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio dos tecidos das plantas. Plantas inoculadas com FMAs, ao serem tratadas com AIB, apresentaram incremento no desenvolvimento vegetativo e nos conteúdos nutricionais, comparativamente àquelas não tratadas com a auxina.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the interaction between three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) species (Gigaspora margarita W.N. Becker & I.R. Hall., Glomus clarum Nicol & Schenck and Glomus etunicatum Becker & Gerd) and the rooting application of indolebutyric acid (IBA; 1,5 g.L-1) on the vegetative growth and shoot mineral nutrition on peach tree rootstock (Prunus Persica) seedlings cv. Aldrighi. Random block delineation was used, with eight treatments, four repetitions per treatment and ten plants per plot. The application of IBA didn't alter the vegetative development of the plants cultivated in absence of AMFs, in spite of having increased the amount of potassium. Glomus clarum and Glomus etunicatum increased the vegetative growth and the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium shoot contents of the inoculated plants. Inoculated plants treated with IBA presented a increment in vegetative development and shoot nutritional contents compared to those cultivated in absence of IBA.

Incremento no desenvolvimento do porta-enxerto de pessegueiro "Aldrighi" por fungos micorrízicos arbusculares autóctones / Development increase of 'Aldrighi' peach rootstocks by indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a influência de três espécies de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) isolados de pomares de pessegueiro sobre o crescimento vegetativo, nutrição mineral e substâncias de reserva em plantas do porta-enxerto de pessegueiro cv. Aldrighi [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com dez plantas por parcela e quatro repetições. As plantas inoculadas com Glomus etunicatum apresentaram maior altura, diâmetro, área foliar, biomassa fresca e seca, nutrição mineral e substâncias de reserva da parte aérea, enquanto as inoculadas com Glomus clarum induziram um crescimento intermediário, superior àquelas inoculadas com Gigaspora margarita, que apresentaram resultados semelhantes às plantas não inoculadas. O desempenho foi relacionado com as taxas de colonização que nas plantas inoculadas com Glomus etunicatum e Glomus clarum foram de 92% e 77% respectivamente, enquanto Gigaspora margarita colonizou somente 30% das raízes.

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species on the vegetative growth, mineral nutrition and carbohidrate contents on peach rootstocks cv. Aldrighi [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. The experimental desingwas the one of randomized blocks, with ten plants per plots and four repetitions. Plants inoculated with Glomus etunicatum presented larger stem height, stem diameter, foliar area, fresh and dry shoot biomass, leaf mineral nutrition and carbohidrate contents,while those inoculated with Glomus clarum induced an intermediate growth, higher to those inoculated with Gigaspora margarita that presented results similar to the non inoculated plants. Plant growth performance was related to colonization taxes, which were, respectively, 92%, 77% and 30% to Glomus etunicatum, Glomus clarum and Gigaspora margarita inoculated plants.

Concentration of nutrient solution in the hydroponic production of potato minitubers / Concentração da solução nutritiva na produção hidropônica de minitubérculos de batata

The effect of the nutrient solution concentration on potato plant growth and minituber yield were determined in a sand closed hydroponic system. Minitubers and micropropagated plantlets of the cv. 'Macaca' were used. Treatments were five nutrient solution concentrations at electrical conductivities (EC) of 1.0 (T1), 2.2 (T2), 3.4 (T3), 4.7 (T4) and 5.8dS m-1 (T5). The split plot randomised experimental design was used with three replications. Plants from minitubers produced higher fresh and mean weight of minitubers, shoot dry mass and leaf area index than the micropropagated ones. However, higher dry mass of minitubers was found with micropropagated plantlets compared to minitubers. The concentration of the nutrient solution did not affect minituber number. Increasing the nutrient solution concentration decreased total and minituber dry mass production of micropropagated plantlets and plant growth and minituber production of minituber-originated plants. Low concentration of nutrient solution at an EC of about 1.0dS m-1 can be used in the hydroponic production of potato minitubers of both micropropagated and minituber-originated plants.

Neste trabalho foi determinado o efeito da concentração da solução nutritiva no crescimento e na produtividade de minitubérculos de batata em um sistema hidropônico fechado empregando areia como substrato. Plântulas micropropagadas e minitubérculos foram plantados em 24 de março de 2004. Os tratamentos foram cinco soluções nutritivas com condutividades elétricas (CE) de 1,0 (T1), 2,2 (T2), 3,4 (T3), 4,7 (T4) e 5,8dS m-1 (T5). O experimento foi conduzido em parcelas subdivididas no delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três repetições. Plantas originadas de minitubérculos produziram mais massa fresca total e média de minitubérculos, massa seca da parte aérea e maior índice de área foliar que plantas micropropagadas. Entretanto, maior massa seca dos minitubérculos foi obtida em plantas micropropagadas. A concentração da solução nutritiva não afetou o número de minitubérculos. O aumento da CE reduziu a massa seca total e dos minitubérculos de plantas micropropagadas e decresceu linearmente o crescimento e a produtividade de minitubérculos de plantas oriundas de minitubérculos. Concentrações baixas de solução nutritiva com valores da ordem de 1,0dS m-1 podem ser empregadas na produção de minitubérculos de batata a partir de plântulas micropropagadas e minitubérculos.