Resumo

ROVERE, A. E.  e  MOLARES, S.. Germination of Chusquea culeou E. Desv. (Poaceae): multipurpose species, endemic of Argentina and Chile. Quebracho (Santiago del Estero) [online]. 2021, vol.29, n.2, pp.111-121.  Epub 01-Out-2021. ISSN 0328-0543.

Chusquea culeou E. Desv. (Poaceae) is a sub-woody perennial herb, endemic to the temperate forests of Argentina and Chile. Its canes are simple, solid and resistant. Even though these characteristics have been used by Patagonian populations since prehispanic times, their value for the paper and construction industry is under development. However, this multiplicity of uses is scarcely systematized, while its wild populations are exploited, practically without management. The objectives of this paper were: 1) to evaluate the germination requirements of Chusquea culeou in order to provide information for its propagation and cultivation, and 2) to review and systematize its contemporary uses. The general hypotheses indicate that the seeds of Chusquea culeou are orthodox and have a physiological dormancy and, it is a multipurpose species because of the resistance and lightness of its canes,. The germination percentage of a control (C) along with 30 day short cold wet stratification (EHF30) and 90 day long cold wet stratification (EHF90) pre-germination treatments were evaluated The bibliographic review included articles from agrarian sciences, ethnobotany, and anthropology. The laboratory treatments gave high germination percentages (84 % EHF30, 76 % EHF90) and similar to C (72 %). Chusquea culeou is a multipurpose species whose craft, edible and construction uses stand out. In conclusion, C. culeou lacks dormancy mechanisms for the present experimental conditions, an aspect that, added to its multiplicity of uses, makes it a species of interest for its cultivation and integral use.

Palavras-chave : Colihue cave; Conservation; Dormancy; Propagation; Uses; Patagonia.