Enhancing Conservation Efforts of <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Through Vegetative Propagation: Effects of IBA and Cutting Types

<i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Baill. is an endangered tree species from the Dichapetalaceae family and endemic to the Iron Quadrangle region of Brazil. Recalcitrance and low seed viability limit conventional seedling production, making vegetative propagation a crucial alternative for con...

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Main Authors: Giselly Mota da Silva, Evandro Alves Vieira, Luiz Palhares Neto, Silvio Ramos, Markus Gastauer, Cecílio Frois Caldeira
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/14/2116
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author Giselly Mota da Silva
Evandro Alves Vieira
Luiz Palhares Neto
Silvio Ramos
Markus Gastauer
Cecílio Frois Caldeira
author_facet Giselly Mota da Silva
Evandro Alves Vieira
Luiz Palhares Neto
Silvio Ramos
Markus Gastauer
Cecílio Frois Caldeira
author_sort Giselly Mota da Silva
collection DOAJ
description <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Baill. is an endangered tree species from the Dichapetalaceae family and endemic to the Iron Quadrangle region of Brazil. Recalcitrance and low seed viability limit conventional seedling production, making vegetative propagation a crucial alternative for conservation efforts. This study evaluated the rooting and sprouting potential of different cutting types (apical, middle, and basal segments from the main stem, as well as the tip and the herbaceous and woody segments from the lateral branches) treated with Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) at varying concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g L<sup>−1</sup>) and immersion durations (5 s to 10 min). Cuttings were collected from 12-month-old plants grown under controlled conditions and planted in Carolina Soil<sup>®</sup> substrate after treatment. Sprouting and rooting rates varied significantly between cutting types, with basal main stem cuttings showing the highest rooting success, particularly at 3 g L<sup>−1</sup> of IBA. These cuttings also exhibited more and longer roots and enhanced sprouting-related biometric traits. Shorter immersion times (15 s and 1 min) were the most effective, promoting root formation while avoiding the potential inhibitory effects of prolonged exposure. Our findings provide a practical protocol for large-scale seedling production of <i>S. engleri</i> while minimizing impacts on wild populations. The effective use of vegetative propagation could facilitate the expansion of <i>S. engleri</i> populations in their natural habitats, enhancing conservation efforts and ensuring sustainable species management.
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spelling doaj-art-ae20844d6a364e1484dfae4dcace3e6c2025-08-20T03:56:46ZengMDPI AGPlants2223-77472025-07-011414211610.3390/plants14142116Enhancing Conservation Efforts of <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Through Vegetative Propagation: Effects of IBA and Cutting TypesGiselly Mota da Silva0Evandro Alves Vieira1Luiz Palhares Neto2Silvio Ramos3Markus Gastauer4Cecílio Frois Caldeira5Vale Institute of Technology—ITV, Belém 66055-090, BrazilVale Institute of Technology—ITV, Belém 66055-090, BrazilDepartment of Biology, State University of Southwest Bahia, Jequié 45205-490, BrazilVale Institute of Technology—ITV, Belém 66055-090, BrazilVale Institute of Technology—ITV, Belém 66055-090, BrazilVale Institute of Technology—ITV, Belém 66055-090, Brazil<i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Baill. is an endangered tree species from the Dichapetalaceae family and endemic to the Iron Quadrangle region of Brazil. Recalcitrance and low seed viability limit conventional seedling production, making vegetative propagation a crucial alternative for conservation efforts. This study evaluated the rooting and sprouting potential of different cutting types (apical, middle, and basal segments from the main stem, as well as the tip and the herbaceous and woody segments from the lateral branches) treated with Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) at varying concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g L<sup>−1</sup>) and immersion durations (5 s to 10 min). Cuttings were collected from 12-month-old plants grown under controlled conditions and planted in Carolina Soil<sup>®</sup> substrate after treatment. Sprouting and rooting rates varied significantly between cutting types, with basal main stem cuttings showing the highest rooting success, particularly at 3 g L<sup>−1</sup> of IBA. These cuttings also exhibited more and longer roots and enhanced sprouting-related biometric traits. Shorter immersion times (15 s and 1 min) were the most effective, promoting root formation while avoiding the potential inhibitory effects of prolonged exposure. Our findings provide a practical protocol for large-scale seedling production of <i>S. engleri</i> while minimizing impacts on wild populations. The effective use of vegetative propagation could facilitate the expansion of <i>S. engleri</i> populations in their natural habitats, enhancing conservation efforts and ensuring sustainable species management.https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/14/2116branch cuttingsDichapetalaceaeendangered woody plant speciesplant conservationIron Quadrangle
spellingShingle Giselly Mota da Silva
Evandro Alves Vieira
Luiz Palhares Neto
Silvio Ramos
Markus Gastauer
Cecílio Frois Caldeira
Enhancing Conservation Efforts of <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Through Vegetative Propagation: Effects of IBA and Cutting Types
Plants
branch cuttings
Dichapetalaceae
endangered woody plant species
plant conservation
Iron Quadrangle
title Enhancing Conservation Efforts of <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Through Vegetative Propagation: Effects of IBA and Cutting Types
title_full Enhancing Conservation Efforts of <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Through Vegetative Propagation: Effects of IBA and Cutting Types
title_fullStr Enhancing Conservation Efforts of <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Through Vegetative Propagation: Effects of IBA and Cutting Types
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing Conservation Efforts of <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Through Vegetative Propagation: Effects of IBA and Cutting Types
title_short Enhancing Conservation Efforts of <i>Stephanopodium engleri</i> Through Vegetative Propagation: Effects of IBA and Cutting Types
title_sort enhancing conservation efforts of i stephanopodium engleri i through vegetative propagation effects of iba and cutting types
topic branch cuttings
Dichapetalaceae
endangered woody plant species
plant conservation
Iron Quadrangle
url https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/14/2116
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