Germination and transplant resistance of four cerrado species from São Paulo state with landscape potential

Abstract

Objective – The present study evaluated the germination, growth, and resistance to transplanting and planting of four cerrado native species from São Paulo state with landscape potential: Andropogon bicornis, Mimosa dolens, Paspalum stellatum, and Schizachyrium sanguineum. 

Methodology – The research adopted indirect sowing of the species in pots, with weekly monitoring for six months, analyzing germination rate, growth rate, and resistance to transplanting and planting. After transplantation, the surviving seedlings were planted in garden beds. 

Originality/relevance – The selection of the species was based on the criteria adopted by the Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf, who defined three categories for the landscape composition of naturalistic gardens: primary species, scatter species, and matrix species. By defining the species based on this selection and systematizing information on germination, growth, and resistance to transplanting of the tested species, the research expands knowledge for their incorporation into landscape design projects. 

Results – The results indicated that Mimosa dolens exhibited the highest germination rate, while Andropogon bicornis stood out for its resistance to transplanting and better vigor after planting. The species Paspalum stellatum and Schizachyrium sanguineum showed significant initial development but did not withstand final planting.

Theoretical/methodological contributions – The study provides information for the use of native cerrado species from São Paulo state in landscape projects with a naturalistic focus, offering data to support the inclusion of these herbaceous and shrub species in nurseries, enabling their introduction into landscaping. 

Social and environmental contributions – The research results contribute to greater visibility of the Cerrado, the second most devastated biome in the country, helping to mitigate issues related to climate change.