Propagation by Stem Cuttings of Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. (Crem): An Alternative for Production of Seed Tubers

The herbaceous vine Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. (Tropaeolaceae), popularly known as crem, has great potential for use, especially its tubers. However, there is still a lack of studies regarding this species. The objective of this study was to test the viability of propagation by stem cuttings for the production of T. pentaphyllum seed tubers. Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse under controlled conditions. In both experiments, experimental design was completely randomized. In the first one, five treatments were evaluated (stem cuttings with 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm) with three replicates, each one with 10 stem cuttings. In the second experiment, three treatments were evaluated (stem cuttings positions: apical, middle and basal), with four replications, each one with 10 stem cuttings. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were compared by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Stem cuttings with 15 cm length had the highest rate of tuber formation (20.0%) and produced tubers with highest mass (3.2 g). Cuttings from the middle portion of the stem had the highest rooting (52.5%) and tuber formation (45.0%) rates. Thus, cuttings with 15 cm length from the middle portion of the stem are indicated for propagation by cuttings of T. pentaphyllum. Considering the potential for the use of this species in the future, the results found in this study are very important, since the propagation by cuttings would enable the production of a large amount of seed tubers in a short period of time.