Propagación vegetativa de Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Algarrobo aceitero) por mini esquejes de raíz

Abstract

Pongamia pinnata is a tree, whose seed is used as raw material for the production of biodiesel. This work aimed to evaluate its vegetative propagation, using of different lengths of root cuttings and types of substrates, with and without application of the hormone IBA (Indole Butyric Acid). A completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement (2 × 2 × 2) was used, composed of 3 factors, 2 types of substrates, and 2 cutting lengths of 3 cm (L1) and 6 cm (L2), with and without IBA. In total 8 treatments which consisted of the combination of the 3 factors were evaluated. The variables evaluated were percentage of rooting, number of rootlets and rootlet length (cm), number of shoots, shoot length (cm) and number of cuttings with calluses. The data obtained were analyzed with ANOVA and a significance test (Tukey at a 95% confidence level) throughh the Infostat Statistical Software. The substrate and hormone factors did not show significant differences in relation to the variables evaluated. The cuttings length factor showed significant differences for all the variables evaluated in favor of length L2 (6cm). The vegetative propagation of the species is not statistically influenced by the type of substrate and the application of IBA, but it is influenced by the length of the cuttings, the length of 6 cm being the most suitable for cultivating them.