VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION OF Mimosa Caesalpiniifolia BY MINI-CUTTINGS TECHNIQUE

ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish a methodology for vegetative propagation via mini-cuttings technique for Mimosa Caesalpiniifolia. For such, three independent experiments were conducted: the first one evaluated survival and production of mini-stumps; the second tested the interaction between mini-cuttings types (apical and intermediate) and different concentrations of indolbutyric acid (IAB; 0, 2,000, 4,000 and 6,000 mg.L-1) on adventitious rooting; and the third analyzed the effect of leaf area reduction (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on mini-cuttings. Mini-stumps survival at 180 days was 80%, with an average yield of 5 sprouts per mini-stump at 120 days. Apical mini-cuttings demonstrated a higher rooting percentage, without IBA application, higher than 80%. On the other hand, IBA application promotes increased rooting percentage in intermediate mini-cuttings. Treatments without leaf reduction and with reduction of 25% promoted better results concerning rooting and plant development. Results support the hypothesis that mini-cuttings technique is viable for the propagation of Mimosa Caesalpiniifolia.