Branch regeneration of jaborandi submitted to diferentes types of pruning and cropping systems

Abstract

 The leaf of the jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus) is the part of the plant of economic interest, from which the pilocarpine is extracted, therefore, leaf production is the main variable that determines the productivity of this species. Pilocarpus leaf production can be managed during its development phase. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate branch regeneration of jaborandi submitted to two types of cutting/pruning and different cropping systems. Prunings were carried out in jaborandi plants from different accessions from the Janorandi Active Germoplasm Bank (BGA), that were under different cropping systems, full sun and shade. With pruning shears, cuts were made 10 and 20 cm from the branch bifurcations. The results showed that regardless of the distances of the cuts in the jaborandi plants, the prunings benefited new shoots production and the harvest and influence on leaf production could be anticipated without harming the plant’s development. The drastic pruning performed on the species also stimulated efficient regeneration without damaging the plant, resulting in bigger leaf production, regardless of the pruning direction. It was also observed that jaborandi cultivation becomes more productive when it is grown under full sun regardless of the germplasm used, and the leaves can be harvested in all the months of the year.