This work was aimed at selecting substrates on the ex vitro acclimatization of Pfaffia glomerata produced in vitro under different sucrose levels. The treatments consisted of a bifactorial combination (5x3) between five sucrose levels (15, 30, 45, 60, and 75g L-1), present in the in vitro culture, and three substrates [Plantmax®; Plantmax® + soil (1:1 v/v), and vermiculite (middle size) + soil (Paleudalf) (1:1 v/v)] used in the ex vitro acclimatization steps. Physical and chemical evaluations of the substrates were carried out as well as evaluations of plant growth and survival for both in vitro and ex vitro cultures. Plants obtained from in vitro cultures in the presence of 45 to 60g L-1 sucrose showed better ex vitro acclimatization. The substrate combinations vermiculite + soil and Plantmax® + soil gave rise greater growth to plants during the last acclimatization step (partially shady natural environment), probably due to having greater total porosity. However, the isolated use of Plantmax® increased the plant survival under field conditions because this substrate showed the greatest values for water retention capacity, easily available water and available water.
brazilian ginseng; seedling production; micropropagation
