Abstract
Erato polymnioides is a hyperaccumulating species of heavy metals which can be used in bioremediation projects in mining areas. Despite its importance, no propagation processes for this species are known, thus it was proposed to identify optimal conditions for its propagation under greenhouse conditions. Some trials were performed; the first ones were based on 4 classes of substrates and 2 concentrations of growth regulators applied to cuttings. For the other trials, 2 kinds of substrates and seedlings, germinated for about two months were used, the seedlings were grouped or ungrouped. The cuttings trial showed greater root formation and growth, shoots and leaves in soil of the site in which the species develops, with and without paclobutrazol, while the group of 3 seedlings germinated and sown in organic fertilizer/peat presented the best performance responses. The results show that this species develops better on prepared substrates when it is in early stages, whereas when it is propagated by cuttings it adapts better to the substrate from the site they come from, which is characterized by high clay content and possibly microorganisms which have a symbiotic relationship with the species.
Keywords: Propagation; Erato polymnioides; substrates; heavy metal accumulators; grouping.