Abstract
The introduction and management of Euterpe edulis seedlings in forests is an alternative that has been found to prevent the species' extinction. The aim of this study is to increase our knowledge of the ecological demands of seedlings of this species in order to contribute to in situ conservation. Fruits of Euterpe edulis without pulp were germinated in the greenhouse, in vermiculite moistened with water. The seedlings obtained, still with some seed reserves attached to the embryonic axis, were separated in six groups. Each received the following treatment: 2% sunlight, 50% sunlight, without mineral nutrition, with mineral nutrition, irrigation every other day and irrigation every seven days. It was observed that the time of seed-reserve depletion did not seem to be influenced by light intensity or soil fertility, nor did dry mass, leaf area and number of leaves, which suggests that seedling growth is independent of these environmental factors while the seed reserves are present. Under decreasing water, seedlings showed an increase in proline content, indicating a mechanism of osmotic regulation. The plants showed growth inhibition under 2% sunlight. This result indicates that the level of light intensity that reaches the interior of a closed forest can limit seedling growth.
Key words:
water; Arecaceae; light; mineral nutrients; palmiteiro; seedling