The aim of this study was to evaluate development in the following tree species: Acacia mangium Willd, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschu, Casuarina equisetifolia L. ex J. R. Forst. & G. Forst, Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. Ex DC.) Mattos, and Colubrina glandulosa subsp. reitzii (M.C.Johnst.) Borhidi under two water regimes in the Irrigated Perimeter of Baixo Acara & uacute;, in the state of Cear & aacute;. The experiment was conducted over seven years, with the factors represented by water regimes, species and periods in an arrangement of split-split plots in a completely randomised design repeated over time with four replications of two plants each. The response variables were total height, diameter at breast height, volume, absolute growth rate in height and diameter, and current and average annual increase in volume. After seven years, the species Acacia mangium, Casuarina equisetifolia, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Anadenanthera colubrina and Colubrina glandulosa presented the following respective mean volumes: 0.62, 0.47, 0.45, 0.31 and 0.29 m3 irrespective of the water regime. Despite a reduction in the growth rates of the species during each period, they remained positive, and growth did not stop. The mean values for volume confirm that the species showed similar growth for the water regimes under study. An irrigated regime of up to one year is therefore suggested for cultivating these species in the Irrigated Perimeter of Baixo Acara & uacute;, Cear & aacute;.

The present work aimed to evaluate the wood of fourteen genetic materials (nine species, between native and exotic, and five clones of Eucalyptus) cultivated under two post-planting irrigation regimes in the Brazilian semiarid region. For each genotype, six trees (11 years old) were selected and subjected to two initial irrigation regimes (up to 12 months and up to 36 months) after planting. Discs of different stem heights were taken: 0% (base), breast height (DBH), 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Samples were extracted along the radial axis of each disk at three regions (the pith-adjacent region, intermediate region, and bark-adjacent region). Samples were subsequently saturated in water to determine their density via the water displacement method. The irrigation systems caused changes in the pattern of radial and longitudinal variation in the clones regarding the proportion of woody material in the stem. Among the native species, Angico stood out with a high density and little juvenile wood, and Pau d’arco, with a low density and a high rate of juvenile wood. Among the exotic species, Nim presented a high density and a low rate of juvenile wood, and Chichá presented a high rate of juvenile wood and a low density. In the Eucalyptus hybrids, VE38 stood out with a high density. Overall, there was an influence from irrigation management, observed with greater intensity in exotic species for Mahogany and Acacia and for the VE41 and AEC1528 clones of Eucalyptus. The values of basic densities in the trees varied from 0.35 to 0.85 g·cm−3. There was good adaptation of native and exotic species and clones to the planting area in the Semiarid region.

Abstract Brazilian floriculture is driven by novelties, requiring the constant entry of new products into the market. This situation favors Brazil, which has, in its native flora, unique species in the world and with high potential for rational use for commercial purposes. The Brazilian flora with ornamental potential is little explored, and the use of species is restricted and, often, extractive with consequent genetic erosion. The use of native species from different ecosystems may constitute a future alternative of products for Brazilian floriculture. Despite the large amount of plant genetic resources, there are few initiatives for the conservation and domestication of species and improvement for sustainable use. For this reason, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) conserves collections of ornamental plants, and the research initiatives of these collections form the Genetic Resources of Ornamental Plants Project. In addition to conservation, it sought, in partnership with other institutions, the characterization and evaluation of the potential use of these species aiming at the completion of products for floriculture. In this way, the materials already characterized and documented make it possible to add value to genetic resources, already maintained. Currently, Embrapa has six ex situ collections of ornamental plants (Tropical species, Bromeliads, Cactaceae and species from the Pampa Biome, Amazonian Orchids and species from Cerrado) and also counts on the genetic variability of banks of other products (Passion fruit, Pineapple, Paspalum, Pepper, Pumpkin germplasm banks) that have been evaluating accessions, selecting and registering cultivars for ornamental use.

The tree species Pau-branco, Cordia oncocalyx Allemão has great economic potential, especially for logging, but its extraction is uncontrolled and can cause depredation. This type of harvest does not guarantee sufficient raw material to supply the demanding sectors such as furniture industries. The propagation of the species in plant nurseries starting from fruits and seeds could offer a solution to this problem. However, the fruits obtained from native plants comprise different sizes and different degrees of ripeness, making germination and propagation processes a difficult task. Knowledge of the final zygotic embryogenesis (fruit phase) anatomy is very important to establishing a propagation protocol for this species, especially to achieve a successful seed rescue of those containing mature zygotic embryos. The objectives of the present work was to establish a method to open the fruits and to study the microstructure and anatomy of the embryo in seeds of pau-branco, never shown before, with the goal of determining in which phase of development seed rescue is most appropriate for subsequent planting and seedling propagation. Mature fruits of pau-branco at different developmental stages were collected and subjected to microscopic investigation or biometrics determination. Transverse and longitudinal sections were obtained and processed for optical and scanning electron microscopy for the anatomical description of fruits and seeds. It was observed that the fruit has an exocarp and mesocarp. The mesocarp is divided into a sub exocarp-like mesocarp and a sclerenchymatous mesocarp, the latter of which gives hardness and rigidity to the fruit. The embryo, generally approximately 1.5 cm, is visible inside the fruits. When the embryo reaches 2.0 cm, it is considered fully developed, and it is recommend that excision can take place at this stage. the use of a hydraulic press was the most viable method for the extraction of seeds from the fruits. Furthermore, it was also concluded that the embryo of pau-branco seeds contain protein reserves.

The aim of this work was to evaluate arbuscular mycorrhizal（AM） fungi as soil indicators and the mycorrhization of native and exotic tree species planted in the Acaraú basin, a transition area from the coast to the Brazilian semiarid region. Plots with 6-year-old trees of four native and three non-native species as well as one non-forested area were evaluated in terms of the diversity of AM fungi in the mycorrhizosphere and the root colonization by AM and ectomycorrhizal（EcM） fungi. Twenty-four AM fungi were identified; Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Glomus sinuosum, Paraglomus albidum, Acaulospora laevis, and Acaulospora brasiliensis were abundant in the forest soil. Diversity, dominance, evenness and richness indices of AM fungi were higher in plots with native trees. All root samples were colonized by AM fungi and only A nadenanthera colubrina,Acacia mangium, Casuarina equisetifolia and Eucalyptus urophylla formed associations with EcM fungi. Acaulospora morphotypes served as soil indicators for coverings with the native species Astronium fraxinifolium and Colubrina glandulosa. Exotic species may favor the proliferation of rarer AM fungi. These fungi–plant relationships may be important in the management of forest systems, and the evidence with mycorrhizal associations allows the inclusion of Brazilian species in tropical reforestation.

A viabilidade econômica de projetos florestais é fortemente afetada pelo horizonte de tempo, os custos de produção, o preço da madeira, a produtividade do local e a taxa de desconto. Este trabalho analisou a viabilidade econômica da produção de madeira de eucalipto para o polo moveleiro de Marco-Ceará, em dois cenários: sem e com financiamento. Para a análise do projeto, utilizou-se o clone AEC 1528, considerando-se uma produtividade de 146,6, 376,4 e 316,1 m3 ha-1 aos 7, 14 e 21 anos, respectivamente, simulado pelo software SISEucalipto. A madeira, cortada e empilhada na propriedade, foi destinada às indústrias de móveis e de cerâmica da região, conforme o sortimento de madeira por classe de diâmetro. A partir do fluxo de caixa, que abrangeu as atividades do plantio à colheita, foram obtidos indicadores de rentabilidade e de risco. Realizou-se, também, uma análise de sensibilidade, em que se avaliou o comportamento do valor presente líquido em função da variação do investimento inicial, da taxa de juros, do custo da colheita e dos preços da madeira. Os indicadores econômicos no cenário sem financiamento indicaram que o projeto deve ser aceito, possuindo uma boa rentabilidade. Ao incorporar o financiamento no projeto, utilizando a linha de crédito do programa ABC Florestas, constatou-se um aumento de seus indicadores quando comparado com o cenário sem financiamento. A produção de eucalipto no polo moveleiro de Marco-CE, apresentou-se viável economicamente nos dois cenários avaliados. A análise de sensibilidade demonstrou que o projeto possui um baixo risco, apesar do longo horizonte de tempo. = The economic viability of forestry projects is strongly affected by the time horizon, production costs, timber prices, site productivity, and the discount rate. This paper analyzed the economic viability of eucalyptus production in the industrial furniture of Marco-CE in two scenarios: with funding and without funding. For the project analysis, the AEC 1528 clone was used, considering a productivity of 146.6, 376.4 and 316.1 m3 ha-1 in 7, 14 and 21 years, respectively, simulated by the software SISEucalipto. The cut and amassed lumber was destined to furniture and ceramic industries in the region, according to the variety of lumber for each class of industrial use. Profitability and risk indicators were obtained from the cash flow, which comprehended the activities from planting to harvesting. A sensitivity analysis was also carried out, which evaluated the behavior of the net present value according to the variation of the initial investment, the tax rate, harvesting costs and lumber prices. The economic indicators in the scenario without funding showed that the project should be accepted, with good profitability. Incorporating the project’s funding, using the ABC Florestas credit line, evidenced an increase in the indicators when compared to the scenario without funding. The eucalyptus production in the industrial furniture district of Marco-CE was considered economically viable in both scenarios. The sensitivity analysis showed that the project has low risk, despite its long term.

A viabilidade economica de projetos florestais e fortemente afetada pelo horizonte de tempo, os custos de producao, o preco da madeira, a produtividade do local e a taxa de desconto. Este trabalho analisou a viabilidade economica da producao de madeira de eucalipto para o polo moveleiro de Marco-Ceara, em dois cenarios: sem e com financiamento. Para a analise do projeto, utilizou-se o clone AEC 1528, considerando-se uma produtividade de 146,6, 376,4 e 316,1 m 3 ha -1 aos 7, 14 e 21 anos, respectivamente, simulado pelo software SISEucalipto. A madeira, cortada e empilhada na propriedade, foi destinada as industrias de moveis e de cerâmica da regiao, conforme o sortimento de madeira por classe de diâmetro. A partir do fluxo de caixa, que abrangeu as atividades do plantio a colheita, foram obtidos indicadores de rentabilidade e de risco. Realizou-se, tambem, uma analise de sensibilidade, em que se avaliou o comportamento do valor presente liquido em funcao da variacao do investimento inicial, da taxa de juros, do custo da colheita e dos precos da madeira. Os indicadores economicos no cenario sem financiamento indicaram que o projeto deve ser aceito, possuindo uma boa rentabilidade. Ao incorporar o financiamento no projeto, utilizando a linha de credito do programa ABC Florestas, constatou-se um aumento de seus indicadores quando comparado com o cenario sem financiamento. A producao de eucalipto no polo moveleiro de Marco-CE, apresentou-se viavel economicamente nos dois cenarios avaliados. A analise de sensibilidade demonstrou que o projeto possui um baixo risco, apesar do longo horizonte de tempo.

To identify endophytic bacteria in Brazilian cacti, and to evaluate the effects of those bacteria on the growth of Cereus jamacaru seedlings and phosphate solubilization in vitro.

RESUMO A redução da disponibilidade hídrica causa efeitos sobre a fotossíntese e o desenvolvimento de espécies arbóreas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as trocas gasosas e a eficiência fotoquímica do fotossistema II em plantas adultas de gonçalo-alves (Astronium fraxinifolium Schott.), guanandi (Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess.), ipê-amarelo (Handroanthus serratifolius (Vahl.), ipê-rosa (Handroanthus impetiginosa (Mart.) Matos), marupá (Simarouba amara Aubl.) e mogno (Swietenia macrophylla King.) cultivadas em condições de sequeiro e irrigadas, no Perímetro Irrigado do Baixo Acaraú, Ceará. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de medidas repetidas no tempo, num esquema de parcelas subsubdivididas (6 x 2 x 3), sendo a parcela principal composta por seis espécies, a subparcela por dois regimes hídricos (irrigado e sequeiro) e a subsubparcela pelas épocas de avaliação. As análises das trocas gasosas foram realizadas em 22/11/2012 (estação seca), 07/02/2013 (data que antecedeu o período chuvoso) e 17/05/2013 (estação chuvosa). As espécies mogno, guanandi e ipê-amarelo mostraram-se mais sensíveis ao déficit hídrico, em comparação com as outras espécies, o que foi evidenciado pelas maiores reduções nas trocas gasosas e na eficiência fotoquímica do fotossistema II. O ipê-rosa, o marupá e o gonçalo-alves mostraram-se mais adaptados às condições de baixa disponibilidade hídrica do solo.

Members of Botryosphaeriaceae family are associated with serious diseases in different plants across the world. In cashew nut plants (Anacardium occidentale), the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae causes a severe group of symptoms related to gummosis that results in decreased nut production. The aim of this work was to develop an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with sufficient sensitivity and specificity to detect the fungus both in vitro and in planta (artificially and naturally infected) and to increase the detection specificity within the fungi group using primers specific for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. A collection of L. theobromae isolates was obtained, and antisera against the fungus were raised in rabbits. Cross-reactivity against Neofusicoccum sp., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Phomopsis anacardii and Pestalotiopsis guepinii was examined. Naturally and artificially infected vegetal material were employed in the ELISAs. The fungi ITS sequences were determined, and single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified and used for primer design. For the naturally infected plants, there was an approximately fourfold variation in the absorbance values. Some positive readings for asymptomatic samples were detected. For the artificially infected samples, an ELISA-based weekly time-course analysis was conducted, and the values for samples from 0 and 7 days were lower than the threshold value. Beginning on day 14, the infection could be detected, with rates varying from 40% on day 14 to 80% on day 21 and 100% by the end of the experiment. The ITS sequencing revealed few polymorphisms among the L. theobromae isolates, but for C. gloeosporioides, P. anacardii, P. guepinii and Neofusicoccum sp., the sequences were sufficient to permit reliable discrimination. The feasibility of ELISA as an early detection technique to assist in gummosis management was demonstrated. PCR amplification based on ITS regions increases and complements serological specificity.

Despite having a high diversity of cacti, the knowledge of the family in the northeastern region of Brazil still suffers from field collection gaps. This is the case for the state of Ceara one of the lesser known areas for Cactaceae in Brazil. We made a survey of literature and herbarium holdings for the family in Ceara. Field studies have reduced the number of gaps in records for Cactaceae in the state. We gathered 252 findspot records, including nine new records of taxa for the state: Arrojadoa rhodantha, Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis, Discocactus zehntneri, Melocactus oreas, Pereskia aculeata, Pilosocereus catingicola subsp. salvadorensis, Tacinga palmadora, Tacinga xquipa and Tacinga subcylindrica (stat. nov.; syn. T. inamoena subsp. subcylindrica). We also collected taxa that had not been previously documented by herbarium vouchers: Discocactus bahiensis, Harrisia adscendens and Pilosocereus flavipulvinatus. Ceara has 24 native taxa, one of which is endemic to the state: Pilosocereus chrysostele subsp. cearensis P.J. Braun & Esteves, whilst P. piauhyensis can be removed from the list for the state. Additional field research is needed to look for new records, to further fill record gaps, to understand biogeographic patterns of the family and to better determine the conservation status of each taxon.

Substrates and appropriate fertilizers, as well as biological materials of superior genetic value are requested for high quality seedling formation. The present work was carried out at Embrapa Agroindustria Tropical, in Fortaleza City (Brazil), aiming to determine the influence of organic materials and slow release mineral fertilizers on the composition of substrates for the grafted soursop seedlings in small plastic tubes. Eleven treatments were tested, represented by three organic compounds (earth-worm compost, Vitasolo(R) and Orgafil(R)), three mineral fertilizers (Osmocote(R), Polyon(R) and formulated) and two additional control (earth-worm compost and Vitasolo(R), both without mineral fertilization). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design 3x3+2. The substrates with organic components fertilized and minerals improved the development of grafted soursop seedlings. The earth-worm compost fertilized with minerals showed superiority when compared with the commercial organic ones (Vitasolo(R) and Orgafil(R)) with its respective mineral fertilizers, except when fertilized with mineral Osmocote(R), which provided higher development associated with any organic component.

O estudo objetivou avaliar o crescimento e desenvolvimento de avencao em diferentes meios nutritivos

Macronutrients, biochemical and nutritional aspects of Eucalyptus grandis shoot growth in vitroThe aim of this work were to evaluate the ionic equilibrium of the culture media, biochemical and nutritional aspects of Eucalyptus grandis shoot growth in liquid media suplemented with nitrogen (17,3; 26,0; 39,0 and 58,5 mmol L -1 ), phosphate (2,0; 3,0; 4,5 and 6,75 mmol L -1 ), potassium (7,5; 11,0; 16,5 and 24,75 mmol L -1 ), calcium (3,3; 5,0; 7,5 and 11,25 mmol L -1 ); magnesium (2,0; 3,0; 4,5 e 6,75 mmol L -1 ) and sulphate (2,29; 3,29; 4,79 and 7,04 mmol L -1 ).The experiment was carried out on a completely randomized statistical design with 19 treatments.The fresh weight, the oven dry weight, the dry weight percentage, the relative growth rate and the pH value were weekly evaluated for 21 days culture period.Mineral nutrients contents, total soluble non-structural carbohydrate, total soluble protein and proline were determined at the 21 rst day of culture.The ionic equilibrium of the culture media showed alterations in functions of the macronutrient and concentration utilized.Concentration from nitrogen 39 mmol L -1 , phosphate 4,5 mmol L -1 , potassium 16,5 mmol L -1 , calcium 7,5 mmol L -1 , magnesium 6,75 mmol L -1 and sulphate 4,79 mmol L -1 showed to be excessives.The culture medium JADS (CORREIA et al., 1995) composition (N 26,0; P 3,0; K 11,0; Ca 5,0; Mg 3,0, and S 3,0 mmol L -1 ) showed the optimum shoot growth, but not the maximum growth rate.The fresh and oven dry weight production showed increament along the culture period and the relative growth rates were higher at the first week of culture.Variations on the macronutrient concentrations in the culture media showed diferentiated response to the mineral nutrient content in the shoot dry mass.Fresh mass content of total soluble non-structural carbohydrate, total soluble protein and proline showed variations in function of the macronutrients and of the concentration utilized at the 21 rst day of culture.

Avaliou-se a formação de porta-enxertos de goiabeira em tubetes e em diferentes substratos: vermiculita + vermicomposto, casca de arroz carbonizada + vermicomposto, vermicomposto + tegumento de amêndoa de caju decomposto, casca de arroz carbonizada + esterco bovino curtido, casca de arroz carbonizada + vermiculita e pó da casca de coco maduro + folha de carnaubeira triturada e decomposta. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 6 tratamentos, 4 repetições e 14 plantas por parcela. Foram avaliados a altura da parte aérea, o diâmetro do caule e o número de folhas aos 60; 90 e 120 dias após a semeadura. Avaliaram-se a massa da matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes, a facilidade de retirada da muda do tubete e a agregação do substrato às raízes, aos 120 dias. Porta-enxertos produzidos aos 120 dias propiciaram os maiores valores de altura da parte aérea (30,2 cm), diâmetro do caule (5,3 mm), massa da matéria seca da parte aérea (5,7 g) e das raízes (3,0 g), e número de folhas (14,5) quando foi usado o substrato vermiculita + vermicomposto. Maior facilidade de retirada da muda do tubete foi encontrada nos substratos vermiculita + vermicomposto, vermicomposto + tegumento de amêndoa de caju decomposto, casca de arroz carbonizada + vermiculita e casca de arroz carbonizada + esterco bovino curtido. Todos os substratos apresentaram ótima agregação do substrato às raízes.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o efeito da deficiência dos macronutrientes no crescimento e estado nutricional da mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.) e a obtenção do quadro sintomatológico das deficiências de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. Cultivou-se Ricinus communis L. cultivar Iris em solução nutritiva, tendo como tratamentos soluções completa e deficientes em N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. Foram determinadas a concentração indireta de clorofila, a atividade da redutase do nitrato, os teores solúveis de N (NO3-), P (H2PO4-) e K+ e realizados testes rápidos para N, P e K. As deficiências de N, Ca, S e Mg foram as que mais restringiram a produção de massa de matéria seca, na ordem decrescente: N>Ca>S>Mg>K>P. Os maiores acúmulos de macronutrientes, no tratamento completo, foram observados nas raízes e no limbo das folhas inferiores. As concentrações críticas para N e Ca, ambas no limbo das folhas superiores e, Mg, no pecíolo das inferiores foram, respectivamente, 46,7, 13,8 e 6,5 g kg-1. As deficiências influenciaram as leituras do clorofilômetro. A atividade da redutase do nitrato guardou relação direta com a determinação da clorofila. Os teores de N (NO3-), P (H2PO4-) e K+ foram menores nas folhas deficientes em N, P e K, respectivamente, o mesmo acontecendo quando avaliadas pela análise de toque.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o efeito da deficiência dos macronutrientes no crescimento e estado nutricional da mamoneira (Ricinus communis L.) e a obtenção do quadro sintomatológico das deficiências de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. Cultivou-se Ricinus communis L. cultivar Iris em solução nutritiva, tendo como tratamentos soluções completa e deficientes em N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S. Foram determinadas a concentração indireta de clorofila, a atividade da redutase do nitrato, os teores solúveis de N (NO3-), P (H2PO4-) e K+ e realizados testes rápidos para N, P e K. As deficiências de N, Ca, S e Mg foram as que mais restringiram a produção de massa de matéria seca, na ordem decrescente: N>Ca>S>Mg>K>P. Os maiores acúmulos de macronutrientes, no tratamento completo, foram observados nas raízes e no limbo das folhas inferiores. As concentrações críticas para N e Ca, ambas no limbo das folhas superiores e, Mg, no pecíolo das inferiores foram, respectivamente, 46,7, 13,8 e 6,5 g kg-1. As deficiências influenciaram as leituras do clorofilômetro. A atividade da redutase do nitrato guardou relação direta com a determinação da clorofila. Os teores de N (NO3-), P (H2PO4-) e K+ foram menores nas folhas deficientes em N, P e K, respectivamente, o mesmo acontecendo quando avaliadas pela análise de toque.The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of macronutrient deficiencies on growth and on nutritional status of castor beans (Ricinus communis L.), and to obtain the symptoms of the lack of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. Nutrient solutions containing all macronutrients and those from which one of these elements was omitted were the treatments used. The following determinations were made: chlorophyll (indirectly), nitrate reductase activity, NO3--N, H2PO4--P and K+, both on soluble fractions, and by spot tests. Deficiencies of N, Ca, S and Mg were the most limiting for dry matter production, followed in decreasing order by those of K and P. The highest concentrations of macronutrients were measured in roots and lower leaf blades. Critical levels of N and Ca in the upper leaf blades and of Mg in lower petioles were respectively, 46.7, 13.8, 6.5 g kg-1. Deficiencies affected chlorophyll meter readings. Nitrate reductase activity was correlated with chlorophyll readings. Soluble contents of N, P and K in the leaves were lower in plants deficient in the respective element. The same was found when spot tests were applied on the leaf sap.

A micropropagacao podera ser uma alternativa viavel para aumentar o numero de plantas por ano com a mesma caracteristica genetica, independente da epoca do ano e em menor espaco de tempo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do acido indol butirico e do carvao ativado no enraizamento in vitro de brotos de abacaxi ornamental.

- The cultivation of soursop fruit has emerged as one of the best alternatives for investing in the fruit business in the northeast of Brazil due to the increasing demand for fresh fruit and, especially, for agribusiness purposes. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of different substrate blends on the rootstock growth of soursop (Annona muricata L.). The treatments consisted of seven mixtures formulated with the substrates commercial vermiculite, carbonized rice peel, carnauba straw, ripe coir dust, and worm humus. Plus, two substrates applied individually: commercial vermiculite and commercial “Plugmix”. The experiment was installed as a completely randomized design with nine treatments, five replicates, and twenty plants per parcel. Germination speed rate, germination percentage, rootstock height, number of leaves, stem diameter, substrate aggregation, easiness to take plantlet out from tube, leaf area, shoot dry matter weight, and root dry matter weight were evaluated. It was observed that the subtracts applied did not affect germination speed rate, nor germination percentage. The mixtures containing commercial vermiculite, carnauba straw and/or worm humus presented better results in comparison with other substrates. In fact, these substrates have been proved to be the best option for the development of soursop rootstock.