ACTIVATED CHARCOAL APPLICATION FOR THE MICROPROPAGATION OF Cattleya crispata (Thunb.) Van den Berg

Micropropagation is an alternative for the genetic conservation and propagation of endemic species from “Campo Rupestre Ferruginoso”, such as the orchid Cattleya crispata. The aim of the present study is to assess the influence of activated charcoal on the in vitro germination, multiplication and elongation phases of C. crispata. Seeds extracted from mature capsules were used for inoculation in the culture medium that was adopted to assess the effect of supplementation, or not, with activated charcoal. Data about germination speed, seedling number, length, vigor, oxidation and contamination (bacterial and/or fungal) were assessed through these phases. Based on the results obtained, the use of activated charcoal was efficient in the in vitro germination and multiplication phases of C. crispata, providing greater speed and percentage of germination, less contamination and oxidation of the tissues, greater number, length and vigor of shoots, being effective for the genetic conservation and production of seedlings of the species. Culture medium without the supplementation of activated charcoal provided the best results for the in vitro elongation, with greater length, vigor and less oxidation of shoots.