Physiological ages of uninodal segments in the production of cassava seedlings

Abstract

Rapid propagation technologies have been used to increase the supply of basic cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) planting material, with emphasis on the production of etiolated seedlings, use of mini-cuttings, and reduction in the size of conventional stem cuttings. This study aimed to propose an accelerated multiplication protocol based on uninodal segments (single bud), as well as to evaluate whether the physiological age of the source material affects seedling establishment and development. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design, in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, with the cultivars BRS Prata, BRS Poti Branca, and Eucalipto and three physiological ages (top, middle, and base). The basal and middle segments provided a higher survival, whereas apical segments promoted a greater vegetative performance, with plant height reaching up to 57.41 cm, in addition to greater induction of tuberization in the Eucalipto cultivar. The protocol proved to be technically feasible and allowed the estimation of a production of 343 seedlings per year from a single mother plant, exceeding the multiplication rate attributed to mini-cuttings and the conventional method.

KEYWORDS: Manihot esculenta Crantz, vegetative propagation, accelerated multiplication protocol.