Substrates and boron on the rooting of red pitaya cuttingsPitaya, a climbing fruit species belonging to the cactus family, has been largely commercialized in the Brazilian exotic fruit market. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different substrates on the rooting of cladodes with the base immersed or not in boric acid solution. There was also evaluated the formation and initial development of roots, resulting in more vigorous, high-quality seedlings with higher survival rates. The experiment was carried out in a lath house of the Department of Plant Production, Horticulture Sector, College of Agronomical Sciences, Botucatu Campus, São Paulo State University (UNESP). The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design, in a 4x2 (substrates x boron) factorial arrangement, with four replicates. Sixty days after the experiment establishment, shoot fresh and dry matter, root fresh and dry matter, and the highest root length were evaluated. The initial root growth and development of cuttings were affected by the substrates and boron. Sand+manure provided higher phytomass accumulation in the shoot and root system of red pitaya. Among the substrates, the treatment sand + cattle manure was the most suitable to produce more vigorous and high-quality seedlings.

This study aimed to analyse the endogenous levels of free polyamines putrescine (Put), spermidine (spd) and spermine (spm) under the effect of 8-HQC (8-hydroxyquinoline citrate) and chlorine during cold storage of bird-of-paradise floral scapes. Flowers were selected, labelled and randomly distributed in recipients for postharvest trials. The base of flower scapes was immersed with pulsing treatments (Control, 100 chlorine, 250 or 500 mg L -1 8-HQC) for 48 h, thereafter, stored at 10.5 °C and 90% relative humidity for a period of 12 days. Flower parts were sampled for polyamines analysis at day 0, 4, 8 and 12 days during storage. All samples had higher Put levels than the control. Treatment with 500 mg L -1 8-HQC showed the highest Spd levels in bracts, while chlorine treatment had the highest Spm levels in stems. Keywords: Strelitzia reginae, inflorescence, ornamental plant, postharvest, senescence. RESUMO