Grafting as a strategy for the rescue of native Brazilian tree species: Analysis of growth and anatomy

Nathália Silveira Ramos; Thaline Martins Pimenta; Guilherme Bravim Canal; Gleison Augusto dos Santos; Amanda Vazoler Foli; Karine Fernandes Caiafa; Genaina Aparecida de Souza; Raul Firmino dos Reis Neto; Felipe Maerschner Aguiar Peixoto

doi:10.53661/1806-9088202650263991

Authors

Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciencia Florestal, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9774-0669
Thaline Martins Pimenta Epamig Sudeste, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5002-177X
Guilherme Bravim Canal Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Melhoramento, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2691-1270
Gleison Augusto dos Santos Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0773-810X
Amanda Vazoler Foli Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciencia Florestal, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3077-0544
Karine Fernandes Caiafa Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0788-0405
Genaina Aparecida de Souza Epamig Sudeste, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0547-3451
Raul Firmino dos Reis Neto Vale S. A., Mina Córrego do Feijão, Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0875-7190
Felipe Maerschner Aguiar Peixoto Vale S. A., Mina Córrego do Feijão, Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2709-2112

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53661/1806-9088202650263991

Keywords:

Genetic conservation, Ecological restoration, Vegetative rescue

Abstract

Environmental degradation caused by human activities, such as dam failures, leads to habitat fragmentation, river contamination, and biodiversity loss. To mitigate these impacts, conservation strategies have been developed to preserve the genetic diversity of forest species. One promising approach is grafting, which allows the rescue and propagation of vulnerable trees. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of cleft grafting in rescuing individuals of Garcinia gardneriana (Planch. & Triana) Zappi, Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess., and Handroanthus albus (Cham.) Mattos in the Brumadinho region. Branch segments were collected from mature trees and grafted onto seedlings of the same species or genus. Over a 90-day period, graft survival and growth were monitored at 15-day intervals. In addition, anatomical analyses were conducted to evaluate the graft union between the scion and rootstock. The results showed that C. brasiliense exhibited the highest survival rate (70%), with significant shoot growth in both length and diameter. H. albus showed steady and uniform growth, with a survival rate of 60%. In contrast, G. gardneriana presented the lowest survival rate (40%) and slower growth, probably due to anatomical incompatibility. Microscopic analysis revealed differences in tissue development and a pronounced accumulation of phenolic compounds in the graft union region of G. gardneriana, which may have hindered vascular reconnection and negatively affected graft establishment. These results highlight the importance of anatomical compatibility for grafting success and seedling development. Furthermore, they demonstrate that cleft grafting is a promising technique for the genetic conservation and ecological restoration of native tree species in impacted areas.

Keywords: Genetic conservation, Ecological restoration, Vegetative rescue