Effect of bioregulators on the propagation of Casearia sylvestris (Swartz) by cuttings

Abstract

Plant propagation via stem cuttings has emerged as a key strategy for the production of native species of conservation interest. In this context, improving propagation techniques has become an important research focus to enhance both efficiency and plant quality. Thus, this study tested the null hypothesis that rooting of cuttings is not promoted by bioregulators regulatory molecules during stem cutting propagation of Casearia sylvestris (Swartz) (guaçatonga). The objective was to evaluate the effects of the bioregulators gibberellic acid (0.05 g.L^-1), indole-3-butyric acid (0.05 g.L^-1), and kinetin (0.09 g.L^-1) on stem cuttings of C. sylvestris. Cuttings were collected and subjected to treatments consisting of 0.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mL.L^-1 of the commercial bioregulator Stimulate®, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four blocks, three treatments, and four replicates. Each replicate comprised four cuttings, totaling 12 cuttings per treatment and 36 experimental units overall. The results supported the null hypothesis, indicating that bioregulators did not enhance rooting in C. sylvestris cuttings. Additionally, the experimental conditions revealed limitations in root development, highlighting the need for further refinement of propagation techniques for native plant species.