Physiological behavior of feijoa multiplied by stool layring

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study some physiological factors involved in root growth and development in sprouts of feijoa Feijoa settowiana Berg., multiplied by stool layring. The experiment was conducted in Pelotas,RS, Brazil, using sprouts cut in July 91, which were covered with soil in October 91. In August 92 the following variables were evaluated: total chlorophyll content, leaf area, stool number and diameter, number and percentage of rooted stools and root dry-matter weight. The variables chlorophyll content, leaf area and stool average diameter, did not show influence on root dry matter. The increase in number of stools caused an increase in the number but not in the percentage of rooted stools. The increase in stool number per plant caused a decrease in stool average diameter. It is demonstrated that it is possible to multiply feijoa plants through stool layring.