Research reveals natural crossbreeding between butiazeiro species

Research indicates the occurrence of natural crosses between different species of butiazeiros. The study identified characteristics of two species, butia odorata e butia yatay, in specimens originating from the same parent plant located in Santa Maria.

The work was carried out at the Germplasm Bank (BAG) of butiás, located at the State Center for Diagnosis and Research in Aquaculture (Cepaq) in Viamão, of the Secretariat of Agriculture of Rio Grande do Sul (Seapi).

The parent plant, initially identified as butia odorata, attracted attention due to the size of its fruits, which exceeded 50 grams, and bunches that reached 40 kg. Twelve seedlings of this matrix were planted in the BAG of Viamão and, after eight years, when they began to produce fruits, they revealed distinct morphological patterns.

While some presented typical characteristics of butia odorata, others showed traces of Butia yatay, indicating a possible natural cross between the species.

Researcher Gilson Schlindwein, from DDPA/Seapi, explains that the mother plant is located in a transition region between the areas where the two species naturally occur, which may have favored hybridization.

Genetic studies are underway at the Viamão BAG to confirm this hypothesis. The investigation also seeks to answer whether the large size of the fruits and bunches of some plants in the Santa Maria region could be the result of this crossbreeding.

Germplasm bank

Created in 2008 at the Viamão Research Center, the butiazeiro germplasm bank aims to preserve and propagate rare individuals of different butiazeiro species, many of which are threatened with extinction. The BAG currently has 300 individuals, half of which are already in the fruit production phase.

Keeping specimens in a single location allows research to be carried out on management, genetic characteristics, production and fruit quality.

The bank also works on the multiplication of seedlings, providing material for academic studies and partnerships with educational and research institutions. The seedlings are used both for commercial fruit production and for urban landscaping and ecological restoration.

From the collection of seeds from the BAG in Viamão, five new areas for seed production (PMS) were implemented, with 100 individuals of butia odorata for evaluation and multiplication. Annually, around two thousand seedlings are produced and distributed for different uses.

Since the project began, more than 4.000 seedlings have been donated to orchards on 39 rural properties in 24 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul. Small farmers, family agribusinesses and settlements are some of the beneficiaries of the program, which aims to strengthen the production and conservation of butiazeiros in the state.

More information about seedlings: (51) 3288-8030 or 3288-8037.