EMERGENCE, INITIAL GROWTH, AND SEEDLING QUALITY OF Eremanthus incanus: SUBSIDIES FOR GENETIC BREEDING AND CONSERVATION

ABSTRACT So far, the commercial production of Eremanthus incanus seedlings has been performed with seeds without any genetic control. Thus, we propose two experiments to examine seed-trees' effect on their descendants via seminal in nursery phase and verify correlation between variables. We installed first experiment a greenhouse evaluated seedling emergence weekly for 42 days. At exit greenhouse, at 60 days, estimated survival. conducted second shade house and, later, full sun. seedlings' height, diameter, survival 90, 120, 150, 180 days after sowing. quantified shoot, root, total dry matter weight calculated Dickson Quality Index (DQI). The effects E. seed-trees were significant emergence, growth characteristics, quality. rate was high all seed-trees, ranging from 72.2% 97.2%. All showed greater biomass allocation shoots seedlings, this proportion being more pronounced some them. Although not significant, estimates other traits positive. correlations mass, DQI positive, moderate magnitude. Due its nondestructive nature, diameter can be considered most suitable practical indicator evaluate quality seedlings. Our results substantially contribute implementing effective conservation breeding strategies, helping understand behavior Campos Rupestres environments regarding recovery ecosystem services.