Unveiling the germination requirements for Cereus hildmannianus (Cactaceae), a potential new crop from southern and southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Cereus hildmannianus K. Schum is a columnar cactus native to South and Southeast Brazil. The cultivation of this species seems justifiable for several reasons: its fruits are spineless and edible; it is not threatened with extinction; it naturally occurs in Pampa and Atlantic Forest under non-xeric conditions that may be unsuitable for the cultivation of other tropical cacti; and the plants are pollinator-dependent and so should benefit from native pollinators. This study aimed to test seed germination of C. hildmannianus with samples collected at three different localities in southern Brazil, as a necessary step preceding any attempts of management and domestication. Seeds were exposed to temperatures of 20° C, 25° C, 30° C and room temperature. The germinability, average germination time and synchronization index were calculated. All samples showed higher germinability at 20° C and 25° C. Seeds from Caçapava do Sul and Santiago showed significant variation in the synchronization index at 25° C and 30° C, respectively. Seeds from Porto Alegre had maximum germinability, indicating greater vigor. Our results show that the seeds of C. hildmannianus germinate well and thrive within a wide range of temperatures and that cultivation of the species from seed-raised plants should not be problematic.

Germination responses of the invasive hedge cactus (Cereus uruguayanus) to environmental factors

“…In a review of seed traits and germination in the Cactaceae, Barrios et al (2020) found that the majority of taxa demonstrate optimal germination between 25 and 30 C. This generalization largely holds within the genus Cereus , but some variation between species has been reported. At constant temperatures, maximum germination for C. hildmannianus was found at 20 and 25 C (Becker et al 2020), for Cereus hankeanus F.A.C. Weber ex K.…”

Vascular flora of Southern Brazilian outcrops associated with Atlantic Forest: small relict environment that needs to be preserved

“…Cereus hildmannianus is a columnar arborescent cactus with nocturnal anthesis and depends entirely on the pollination of Sphingidae moths. It is a species with wide geographic distribution in Brazil, and the optimum germination temperature is 25ºC (Becker, Dal Ri, Singer, & Singer, 2020). In Campo Mourão outcrops, several individuals are associated with the edge or nucleation regions of the Nishida outcrop, where the soil is already deeper.…”

Contrasting Pollination Strategies and Breeding Systems in Two Native Useful Cacti from Southern Brazil

“…The flowers are long (up to 20 cm in length) and their coloration varies from white to clear pink [ 3 ] ( Figure 1 a–c). The fruits of this species are smooth, spineless, and edible [ 10 ]. In contrast, P. aculeata Mill.…”

“…and Pereskia aculeata Mill. Cereus hildmannianus is popularly known as “Tuna” and its edible, sweet, spineless fruits make them valuable for horticultural purposes [ 10 ]. A very similar species, Cereus peruvianus (Pfeiff.)…”