In vitro GERMINATION AND ACCLIMATIZATION OF EVERLASTING FLOWER

Abstract

Actinocephalus bongardii (A. St.-Hil.) Sano is a native
ornamental specie from Brazil, popularly known as evergreen
“showerhead” that presents potential for commercialization.
No effective propagation protocol for the species has yet been
established. The objective of this work was to establish an in vitro
germination protocol and acclimatization of A. bongardii. For the
in vitro culture, we evaluated MS and WPM culture media. Three
pH levels (4.8, 5.8 and 6.8) and five concentrations of gibberellic
acid (GA3) (0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6 and 0.8 mg L-1) in WPM culture
media were evaluated. Percentage of germinated seeds, number
of leaves and length of the seedlings were evaluated 30 days after
inoculation. Seedlings obtained through the in vitro germination
were acclimatized with Plantmax® substrate in a greenhouse and
the percentage of seedlings survival were evaluated 30 days after acclimatization. The seeds inoculated in WPM showed highest germination percentage (74%) and seedlings with more leaves and longer length. The culture medium pH of 5.8 improved germination and the supplementation of the medium with 0.2 mg L-1 GA3 significantly increased the percentage of seed germination (94%). The acclimatization of the seedlings was only 50% due to the fragility of the tissues.