Épocas de coleta e tipos de incisão no cladódio para propagação de pitaia vermelha de polpa branca

Abstract

The pitaya is an exotic and promising fruit in Brazil, mainly due to its organoleptic characteristics. The fruits beyond the pleasant taste are rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, among other benefits and advantages. However, despite its expansion, there are only a few researches about pitaya in Brazil. Besides the studies about the handling, a study of the plants formation is necessary. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the cladodes harvest time, and the different types of incision in the rooting and sprouting of the red pitaya stake in Lavras-MG region. In the first experiment was used the experimental design completely randomized, in a split-plot in time, with 12 treatments, 5 replications and 5 cuttings per plot, starting in August 2013 to July 2014.The treatments were: T1 = august, T2 = September, T3 = October, T4 = November, T5 = December, T6 = January, T7 = February, T8 = March, T9 = April, T10 = May, T11 = June e T12 = July. Were evaluated: number and length of the larger sprout, rooting percentage, length of the larger rooting, fresh and dry biomass of the sprouts and roots. According to the results, the harvest time of cuttings should be in July, August and September, these periods the plants have better development for all the characteristics evaluated. It is suggested not harvest cladodes of red pitaya in November and December, which coincides with the flowering season. Just as in the months of March and April, due to the beginning of a vegetative rest, and occurrence of lower temperatures in Lavras region. In the second experiment were studied different types of incision in the rooting stakes of red pitaya with white pulp. The treatments were: T1 = perpendicular incision in the stakes (control), T2 = bevel incision, 45º, T3 = Removal 1/3 until reach the main axis of the cutting, (pericycle), T4 = perpendicular incision in 1/3 of the 3 faces from the cutting, T5 = cutting without incision. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications and five cuttings per plot. Were evaluated: percentage and length of sprouting, length and volume of the root system, fresh and dry biomass of sprouts and roots. Different incisions made on the basis of red pitaya stakes provides high rooting percentage in the formation of plants. The treatment 4, can be used for getting a more efficient radicular system in the plants formation of pitaya and in accordance with the results it is suggested to not use of the incision carried out in bevel, 45 °.