Estrategias para la germinación de semillas de espeletia cayetana en condiciones de vivero

Abstract

This study, conducted as an internship with Cumbres Blancas Colombia, aimed to evaluate the germination response of Espeletia cayetana embryos under three controlled conditions: darkness (C1), light (C2), and light with immersion in gibberellins (C3). The goal was to provide information on the germination and propagation of this species, which is listed as Endangered (EN). Field trips were made to the Guerrero páramo in the municipalities of Zipaquirá and Subachoque to collect plant material. Achene detachment and selection were performed, revealing a low rate of achenes containing embryos (16%), reflecting a common challenge in high-altitude species. For six weeks, the germination, growth, and initial development of E. cayetana embryos were recorded in each treatment. Although the tetrazolium test indicated viability rates greater than 50% for the Subachoque population and less than 20% for the Zipaquirá population, the germination percentages obtained were below 30%, suggesting the presence of physiological factors associated with dormancy. Finally, 18 seedlings from the Zipaquirá population were successfully established in a nursery using a substrate composed of black soil, coconut fiber, and mycorrhizae, which facilitated the seedlings' initial adaptation. These results provide relevant information for advancing the propagation and conservation of E. cayetana