Enxertia de araucária para produção de pinhão: conheça a pesquisa da Epagri

Summary

This video highlights a collaborative research project on Araucaria, also known as the Brazilian pine, focusing on innovative grafting techniques to improve pine nut production. Researchers from Epagri and Embrapa are conducting experiments at a large research area in Southern Brazil, working with various genetic materials of Araucaria. The grafting process, involving careful plant preparation and genetic transformation, is explored step by step. The goal is to enhance the growth and productivity of Araucaria trees, ensuring the future of this vital native species for both ecological and economic sustainability in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 Araucaria, also known as Brazilian pine, is a native forest species of Brazil and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing food for both humans and animals.
• 😀 The research on Araucaria involves grafting techniques to improve the production of pine nuts, in collaboration with institutions like Epagri and Embrapa.
• 😀 A key focus of the research is to introduce different genetic materials of Araucaria to test their adaptability and productivity, aiming to improve pine nut yields.
• 😀 The research area in Southern Brazil spans 45,000 square meters with 566 plants being grafted, using rootstocks from local seeds and various genetic materials from different Brazilian states.
• 😀 The project includes experimenting with around 61 genetic materials of Araucaria, collected from various regions in Brazil and one from Australia.
• 😀 Grafting is seen as an important method for adapting and introducing superior genetic materials to Araucaria trees, specifically focusing on those that produce high yields of pine cones and nuts.
• 😀 The grafting process starts with carefully selecting healthy plant material, followed by cleaning, removing certain parts, and ensuring proper technique to encourage successful grafting.
• 😀 A plastic covering is used during the grafting process to maintain moisture and protect the graft, which will remain in place for 40 to 60 days before the new plant growth can be observed.
• 😀 The grafted plants will undergo further care and maintenance, including removing excess shoots from the rootstock and allowing only the new grafted shoot to grow.
• 😀 The work being done at the Canoinhas experimental station is a collaborative effort aimed at safeguarding the future of Araucaria trees and the native forests of Southern Brazil, with long-term benefits for agricultural and ecological development.

Q & A

What is Araucaria, and why is it important for the ecosystem?

Araucaria, also known as Brazilian pine, is a native forest species in Brazil. It is vital for the ecosystem because its seeds, known as pine nuts, serve as food for both humans and various animals, including birds.

What innovative technology is being experimented with for Araucaria cultivation?

Researchers are experimenting with grafting technology to improve the production of pine nuts. This method allows the introduction of various genetic materials to enhance the plant's adaptability and growth.

Where is the research on Araucaria grafting taking place?

The research is conducted in one of the largest experimental areas dedicated to Araucaria in Southern Brazil, specifically at the Canoinhas experimental station, which is a collaboration between Epagri and Embrapa.

How large is the research area dedicated to Araucaria?

The research area spans 45,000 square meters, with a planting density of 9x9 meters between plants, totaling approximately 566 plants that will undergo grafting.

What are the different genetic materials being used for grafting?

The grafting process includes genetic materials from 61 different sources from Embrapa Florestas, collected from various regions such as Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, as well as one variety of Australian Pine for observation.

Why is grafting important in the context of Araucaria cultivation?

Grafting is crucial because it allows researchers to introduce different genetic materials into the plants. This process helps to identify which genetic variants adapt best to the environment and produce more pine cones and nuts, contributing to the plant's economic and ecological value.

What is the expected outcome of the grafting experiments?

The goal is to observe the development and growth of the grafted Araucaria plants, ensuring that they reach the desired stage of maturity and adaptation. Researchers aim to validate whether the selected genetic materials are viable for long-term production.

What role do the researchers at Embrapa play in this project?

Researchers from Embrapa Florestas, including Gilson Gallotti, collaborate with Epagri to conduct the grafting experiments. They bring the necessary genetic material for grafting and help execute the procedure in the experimental station.

How is the grafting process carried out on Araucaria?

The grafting process involves carefully selecting a plant from a canopy, cleaning it, and removing needles to facilitate grafting. A scion from the desired plant is then grafted onto a rootstock using a technique that ensures moisture retention and protects the graft during its healing process.

What happens after the grafting process is complete?

After grafting, the plant is wrapped in plastic to ensure proper moisture retention and to prevent the entry of pathogens. The graft needs 40 to 60 days to establish, and the plastic is removed afterward. If successful, new growth will appear, and the shoot from the graft will be carefully maintained.