Produção de mudas de araruta após armazenamento refrigerado

Abstract

Arrowroot is a rhizomatous plant, belonging to the order Zingiberales. The species is considered rustic, from Latin America and is found natively in the Venezuelan forests. There is a lack of scientific studies on the crop, especially with regard to post-harvest cultivation and conservation. The aim of this work was to verify the viability of ‘comum’ and ‘seta’ arrowroot seedlings as a function of time and temperature of rhizome storage. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 3 x 3 factorial scheme, the factors studied being two types of arrowroot, three temperatures and three storage seasons. During the storage the mass of the rhizomes was evaluated and after the storage period the rhizomes were used to produce seedlings. The storage of arrowroot rhizomes at low temperatures for seedling production is not feasible. Storage at room temperature is most appropriate. The time of storage of the rhizomes influences the sprouting, and the seedlings originating from rhizomes stored at thirty days have obtained 100% of sprouting, after that period the sprouting of rhizomes is reduced.