Vegetative Propagation of Plumeria pudica Subjected to Different Proportions of Decomposed Babassu Stem

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of the decomposed babassu stem in the vegetative propagation of bridal bouquets. Theoretical Framework: The bridal bouquet (Plumeria pudica) is a perennial shrub of the Apocynaceae family, native to Venezuela and Panama, which can reach four meters in height. Studies have shown that the substrate of decomposed stems of babassu tree (Attalea speciosa Mart.) stands out for the production of flowering seedlings in the northeast region, being very abundant in the Maranhão region and low cost. Method: The research was carried out in a greenhouse with 70% light interception, at the Chapadinha Center of the Federal University of Maranhão. A completely randomized design was adopted, delimiting six substrate treatments based on decomposed babassu tree (CDB) added to soil in the proportions of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100% of CDB. The variables analyzed were number of leaves (NF) and number of shoots (NB), leaf area (AF), length of the largest shoot (CMB) and root length (CR), fresh mass of the root system (MFSR), dry mass of the aerial part (MSPA), dry mass of the root system (MSSR) and percentage of survival (PS). For statistical analyses, InfoStat® was used. Results and Discussion: The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, using the “F” test, to diagnose significant effects between the different substrates and comparison of means using the Tukey test at 5% probability. Given that the best proportion for this experiment was 100% CDB, which provided good conditions for the bridal bouquet seedlings. Research Implications: Plumeria pudica is a common species in eastern Maranhão, where decomposed babassu substrate is frequently used. The evaluation of different substrates for seedling production is essential to optimize cultivation and enable the commercialization of the plants. Originality/Value: The decomposed babassu substrate has not yet been tested for Plumeria pudica. In this sense, its evaluation may bring new possibilities for the propagation and commercialization of the species.