Desempenho da palma forrageira no sistema de cultivo sobre o solo conforme a variação no período de cura.

Abstract

Forage palm has been cultivated in Brazil since the 20th century, and is more resistant and adaptable to periods of water deficit. Among its varieties, Opuntia stricta or Mexican elephant ear has been shown to be more resistant to some pests, such as the carmine cochineal, which can destroy entire plantations if not managed properly. The main objective of the research was to evaluate the influence of the forage palm curing period on the emission of new cladodes. The experiment was carried out in the city of Jaçanã, Rio Grande do Norte in the period from October 4, 2023 to October 24, 2024, totaling more than one year of research. The variables observed were rooting and soil attachment, cladode number, and pest and disease occurrence. The results were promising, considering the rooting and attachment of cladodes in the above-ground cultivation system, and the curing period. A long curing period was not necessary for cladode cultivation, as demonstrated in the study. It is concluded that the studies on cladode emission and attachment were satisfactory, regardless of the curing period; all treatments resulted in the emission of new cladodes.Pests and diseases were not deleterious problems for the crop.