Cultivo de Ornithogalum em região de clima subtropical em solo hidromórfico

Abstract

Popularly known as Estrela-de-Bethlehem or Onitogalo, Ornithogalum saundersiae is a species belonging to the Asparagaceae family, which is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a flower that develops solely from bulbs, which store nutrients and water, allowing the plant to survive in various climatic conditions and reach up to 70 cm in height. The main value of Ornithogalum is its flower stalks, especially when it comes to the quality of the flower stalks after harvest. This study aims to evaluate the phenology, phyllochron and quality of Ornithogalum flower stalks. The flowerbed was made with seven meters long and one meter wide (7x1 m), with spacing between rows and between plants of 0.4 m. The experimental design was entirely causalized, with planting being carried out on different dates (March 26, 2024, April 30, 2024, and May 27, 2024). At each time, ten bulbs were planted, totaling thirty bulbs in total. The following evaluations were performed: visible inflorescence in the cartridge (R1); inflorescence opening, when the basal bracts begin to open (R1.2); appearance of the first bud in the inflorescence phase (R1.6); beginning of flowering (R2); first unopened flower showing the color of the petals; the first open flower (R2.1); the second open flower (R2.2); the third open flower (R2.3) (figure 6); the fourth open flower (R2.4), which is the harvest point. Variables such as plant height, measured from the base to the top, length of the flower stem, diameter of the peduncle in the region of inflorescence insertion and diameter of the inflorescence itself were also determined, all assessed at the time of harvest. Regression analyses were performed using an Excel® spreadsheet. The cultivation of Ornitogalo in subtropical climate conditions and hydromorphic soils in Rio Grande do Sul showed promise for diversifying floriculture in Brazil. Despite climatic challenges, such as high precipitation, thermal variations and pest attacks, the plant demonstrated good adaptation, resulting in quality floral stems with commercial viability. Post-harvest durability reinforced its potential in the cut flower market. The experiment highlighted the culture's ability to adapt to non-ideal conditions, pointing to opportunities for improvement with future research, essential to exploring the full potential of this species and strengthening the cut flower sector.