IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF Cattleya violacea (Kunth) Rolfe ORCHIDS UNDER THE EFFECT OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Cattleya violacea; essential oils; Orchidaceae; seedlings
Cattleya violacea (Kunth) Rolfe is an orchid native to the Amazon region, recognized for its ornamental and ecological value. However, studies on its development under the influence of essential oils are still scarce. This project aims to evaluate the secondary effects of the application of clove (Syzygium aromaticum), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oils on the growth of Cattleya violacea seedlings. The research will be conducted in a controlled environment at the Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Plant Tissue Culture of the State University of Mato Grosso (UNEMAT) Campus of Alta Floresta - MT. The aim was to use seedlings produced in vitro and pre-acclimated using oils in different concentrations of 125 microliters and 175 microliters, in both processes and observing morphological parameters such as height, number of leaves, number of roots, size of the largest root, weight and total length of the seedling. It is expected to identify possible inhibitory or stimulating effects on the development of the species, contributing to the understanding of the interactions between natural compounds and Amazonian orchids, and expanding knowledge about the sustainable use of essential oils in ornamental horticulture.