Agroindustry residues as substrate on micropropagated bromeliad plantlet acclimatization

Abstract

Agroindustry residues such as decomposed castor bean fruit husks and coconut fiber appear as promising materials for use as substrate, due to the large amounts that are generated and accumulated. These can be used separately, mixed, or in mixture with other materials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of castor bean fruit husks and coconut fiber as substrate in the acclimatization of plantlets of bromeliad (Aechmea pineliana (Brongniart ex Planchon) Baker), of conservation interest. The treatments consisted of eight different substrate compositions: castor bean fruit husks sieve graded with sieve opening size five millimeters (mm) (CFM5), and 10 mm (CFM10), Plantmax HT^® (SC); coconut fiber (FC) + CFM5; FC + CFM10; FC + SC; CFM5 + SC and CFM10 + SC. The castor bean fruit husk and coconut fiber substrates show results equal to or better than those obtained with the commercial substrates, and therefore may be used for acclimatizing A. pineliana plantlets.