Propagation of Myrcianthes coquimbensis (Barnéoud) Landrum et Grifo by seeds and cuttings

Abstract

Myrcianthes coquimbensis is an endangered species, endemic from Chile where it has a restricted distribution in the coast of the Coquimbo Region. Nowadays its habitat is being heavily impacted by real estate development. This species has ornamental value, but is almost unknow from gardeners and landscapers. This work aims at contributing to Myrcianthes coquimbensis ex situ conservation by development of its propagation by both sexual and vegetative way. Germination tests shown that the kinetics of this process varied significantly according to the sowing season (winter or summer). After 90 days, emergence was of 51% in summer, while in winter it only reached 29%. The pericarp was found to have an inhibitory effect, decreasing germination by 50%. Incubation of seeds in GA3 during 24 h increased the percentage of germination with a dose-dependent effect. Cutting-propagation assays were performed with AIB treatments in cold or warm bed. In cold bed, a poor response was obtained (8.44% of rooting), without influence of treatments. However, in hot bed, rooting reached 33% with application of (3,000 ppm). Best results were obtained when stems came from plants maintained under nursery conditions.