Abstract

The yellow sapote is native to southern Mexico and Central America, and its fruits have high content of carotenoids and vitamin A. Its propagation is done through seed, resulting in considerable genetic variability among individuals, being preferable vegetative propagation, in order to fix desirable characteristics. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the vegetative propagation by cuttings of semi-herbaceous branches of yellow sapote, according to four genotypes and four concentrations of IBA. Cuttings were semi-herbaceous apical, maintained with a pair of leaves, under intermittent mist for 120 days. A completely randomized experimental design was use, in a 4x4 factorial (yellow sapote genotypes x IBA concentrations) with four replicates and ten cuttings per plot. It was evaluate the percentage of survival, leaf retention, rooting, callus, average number and length of roots per cutting. The PC-1 genotype was superior to others in all variables, with emphasis on the rooting of cuttings exceeding 60%. The IBA concentrations (0; 1,000; 3,000 and 5,000 mg L-1) did not influence survival, leaf retention and rooting but increased the number and length of roots compared to control treatment (without IBA). There were differences in rooting capacity to among genotypes of yellow sapote, being the best response obtained with PC-1. The IBA concentration 3,000 mg L-1 results in greater number and length of roots in the yellow sapote cuttings.