Root pruning and two kinds of trays influence in acclimation of ex vitro seedlings of Cattleya loddigesii Lindl. (Ochidaceae)

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the influence of root pruning and the using of different containers in seedlings development of Cattleya loddigesii in acclimation period. Seedlings of 180 days after the in vitro cultivation were subjected to root pruning of 25, 50 and 75% and kept in individual and collective cells trays. It were evaluated: survival percentage, number and length of the largest root and leaf, height, fresh mass and number of buds. Intermediate pruning (25-50%) caused significant increase on survival, number and length of largest root, total length of seedlings and fresh mass; 75% pruning caused positive effects only on the number of buds. In relation to containers, the individual one provided better results, except on leaves number and total height. It concluded that root pruning is an efficient technique for this species and that the best combination is 25% root pruning and the cultivation in individual trays.