Desenvolvimento de mudas pré-brotadas (MPB) de cana-de- açúcar promovido por aplicação de biorregulador

Abstract

The use of the pre-sprouted seedling (PSS) system has emerged as an important alternative for producing sugarcane seedlings with greater vigor and sanitary quality. In this context, the application of plant bioregulators may enhance early plant development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the bioregulator Stimulate® on the root system and shoot development of pre-sprouted sugarcane seedlings. The experiment was conducted at the seedling nursery of the Federal Institute of Minas Gerais – São João Evangelista Campus, using the RB867515 cultivar. The experimental design was completely randomized, arranged in a factorial scheme involving evaluation time, immersion time, and bioregulator dose. The following variables were evaluated: leaf area, height of the last leaf, stem diameter, shoot dry matter, root dry matter, root surface area, and root volume. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared using the Tukey test at a 5% probability level. Evaluation time significantly affected shoot and root variables, with higher values observed at 90 days. The application of the 0.75 dose increased root surface area. The interaction between dose and immersion time was significant for stem diameter and root dry matter, while the interaction among evaluation time, immersion time, and dose significantly influenced root volume. It was concluded that the application of the bioregulator Stimulate®, combined with appropriate immersion time management and seedling evaluation period, contributes to the production of more vigorous sugarcane seedlings with improved root system development.