Melocactus glaucescens (Cactaceae) is endemic to Bahia and is included in the IUCN and MMA lists as endangered species. Transference of in vitro cultures to ex vitro environment is critical and can become limiting for the production of micropropagated scions. The main objective of this work was to examine the effect of different substrates and rooting during acclimatization of Melocactus glaucescens. The plants were in vitro propagated and kept in 100 % light, on daily cycles for 75 days. The results suggested that the best substrate should consist of 50 % soil and 50 % sand; plantlets should be at least 5mm in diameter and height before being transferred; and that both steps in vitro rooting and harding could be eliminated from micropropagation of M. glaucescens. Further studies are still needed on desiccation time of shoots above 5 mm so that the step of in vitro rooting can be completely eliminated.
Cabeça-de-frade; ex vitro environment; in vitro culture
