Production of seedlings of sweet passion fruit by vegetative propagation using hydrophilic polymer

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of hydrophilic polymer on the production of sweet passion fruit seedlings by vegetative propagation. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse conditions, with 50% natural illumination, in municipality of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
(21º14' S, 45º58' W and 910 m of altitude), using cuttings from selected plants. The substrate was a mixture of soil, organic compound and sand (2:2:1 v/v). The treatments consisted of five polymer doses (0; 1,5; 3; 4,5 and 6 g L^-1 Ecogel VEG^®), incorporated to the substrate. A completely randomized design with four replicates was used, and the experimental plot was composed by eight plant cuttings. Hundred twenty days after planting, the following variables were measured: survival, rooting and callosity percentage; number of sprouts, leaves and roots; root and shoot length (mm); dry weight of the aerial part, roots and total plant (mg). Results showed significant differences for survival, callosity, number of leaves and roots, root and shoot length, dry weight of the aerial part, roots and total plant, in relation to the different doses of the soil amendment. Polymer dose of approximately 4,5 g L^-1 showed to be more effective for seedling production by vegetative propagation.