Abstract

Beilschmiedia berteroana ("belloto del sur") is a screrophyllous tree of the family Lauraceae that is endemic to the Central-South region of Chile. It is an endangered species; considered a second priority in the "Extinction Danger" category. This species is known for its timber, fruits and lots of mucilages, also has great potential for its size and ornamental evergreen foliage. This study had as a main objective to develop an in vitro rooting protocol of microshoots, obtained from the proliferation phase, by adding auxin: indole 3-butyric acid (IBA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) in order to contribute to the recovery of the species. Results are discussed in the rooting phase, where this species is induced or maintained in different trials with exogenous auxin. Rooted microshoots were obtained when 250 μM of IBA were applied for 24 hours, obtaining a 40% rate of rooting, whereas no response was observed with the hormone-free treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that Beilschmiedia berteroana can be vegetatively propagated in vitro through microcutting induced by IBA or a combination of exogenous auxin (IBA + NAA and IBA + IAA).