Conservação e uso de recursos genéticos de Butia (Arecaceae): sistematização do conhecimento associado e técnicas de transplante de mudas

Abstract

Popularly known as butiazeiros, plants of the Butia genus have cultural, ecological, and economic significance. A decline in their population has been observed due to the expansion of agricultural and urban areas. Aggravating this issue, natural regeneration is hindered by low germination rates, seed and seedling predation and inadequate management in remaining areas. Consequently, Butia species are under constant threat of extinction. The conservation of native species is essential for biodiversity protection, making it crucial to characterize genetic resources to expand knowledge and promote sustainable use while developing strategies for the multiplication of new individuals. This study aimed to survey the knowledge associated with the use, ecology, and management of Butia yatay in the municipalities of Giruá and Quaraí, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and to analyze the survival and growth of Butia odorata seedlings rescued from backyards and transplanted into pots in a greenhouse. The ethnobotanical survey was conducted through interviews with 17 residents of Giruá and Quaraí, supported by a semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis of seedling rescue and transplantation was carried out using a factorial design, considering different transplantation periods, light conditions, and initial height of the individuals. The genetic resources of B. yatay are utilized in various applications, mainly in food, beverage production, and handicraft making, although still on a scale below their potential. There is a significant difference in the number of uses of butiazeiros in each municipality: 80 different uses were reported in Giruá, while only 16 were mentioned in Quaraí. Ethnobotanical knowledge about the ecology and management of B. yatay highlights the admiration and respect people have for butiazeiros. Additionally, these plants are linked to emotional bonds, with connections formed since childhood, contributing to regional identity. Regarding the rescue and transplantation of B. odorata seedlings, the technique is viable and has a high survival rate. The ideal transplantation period is winter. The plants exhibit plasticity in response to light conditions, but in winter, shading prevents etiolation damage and results in a higher seedling survival rate. There is a positive correlation between solar radiation and average monthly temperature with the monthly increase in height and collar diameter of transplanted seedlings.