GERMINATION AND SURVIVAL OF Nidularium innocentii Lem. (BROMELIACEAE), ORNAMENTAL BROMELIAD ON LOW-COST SUBSTRATES FOR CULTIVATION: AN ALTERNATIVE TO EXTRATIVISM

The extractivism of bromeliads in Paraná for ornamental purposes has been occurring since the 70's, due to the easy access in the forests, the high demand of consumers, and the small number of producers in the region. Among the species of this group stands out Nidularium innocentii Lem. as the second most extracted species with commercial purpose. The reversal of this situation may be associated with the implantation of agronomic crops, but there are few and sparse studies on the germination of this species. Thus, in this context a study was carried out in order to evaluate seed germination and survival on different substrates. Six alternative types of substrates that were easily accessible to the rural producer were tested: peat, coconut husk fiber, plantmax®, earthworm humus, humid pine bark and sieved agricultural soil. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with four replicates and 25 seeds per experimental unit, at room temperature, in a greenhouse, with sprinkler irrigation for a period of 90 days. Nidularium inocentii showed germination on average at 7 days and maximum germination point was reached at 15.2 days, with an average of 65.8% of germination. Among the substrates tested, coconut husk fiber, peat and humid pine bark obtained the best results on seedling survival after seed germination. The study confirms the feasibility of sexual reproduction of the species for agronomic crops using low cost and locally abundant substrates.