Propagação do tamarindeiro (Tamarindus indica L.)

Abstract

The tamarind is a fruit tree with great potential for exploitation in the Brazilian Northeast. Further studies are needed to allow economical exploitation of this species. We evaluated the effect of substrates and plant growth regulators in the emergence and initial development of tamarind seedlings. The experiment with different substrates involved the combination of soil with chicken manure, cattle manure, goat manure and potting soil. The following parameters were evaluated: percentage of seedling emergence (%E), rate of emergence (IVE), plant height (PH), stem diameter (AD), length of the longest root (LRL), dry mass of the aerial parts (SDM), root dry mass (MSR) and the ratio MSR/SDM. The results showed that the soil substrate and soil combined with bovine manure, goat manure or potting soil in a 2:1 ratio is recommended for the emergence of tamarind while soil plus goat manure is recommended for the initial growth. To evaluate the influence of plant growth regulators on initial tamarind development (30 days after sowing) foliar applications were done for seven consecutive days with aqueous solutions containing 0.0, 0.8, 1.6, 2, 4, and 3.2 mL of 4% gibberellic acid per liter and 0.0, 6.0, 12.0, 18.0 and 24.0 mL Stimulate® L-1. Ninety days after sowing AD, PH, LRL, SDM, MSR, and MSR/SDM were evaluated. Gibberellic acid and Stimulate® increased tamarind height. Stimulate® significantly increased dry weight of the aerial parts and roots of tamarind seedlings. Seeds stored in plastic bags under refrigeration at 8 ± 2 ºC were tested every month for a period of 360 days. In each evaluation the number of days for initiation and completion of emergence, %E, IVE, PH and LRL were determined. The storage conditions enabled the maintenance of viability and vigor of tamarind seeds.