Biomass estimates based on allometric relationships have theoretical and practical application. These data are useful tools in growth analysis experiments and yield prediction. Several equations were studied to define the best allometric fit to peach palm grown for heart-of-palm purpose. Spineless peach palms (Bactris gasipaes Kunth), from Putumayo landrace, were utilized. The experiment, in a 2 x 1 m planting density, was conducted at Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. Where 117 plants were selected, ranging from 0.22 to 5.04 m of main stem height, and from 2.23 to 27.06 cm of main stem diameter. Direct growth measurements were taken before plant harvesting. Harvested material was separated in different structural components and weighted before and after drying. Regression analyses were performed and different equations were applied to data, having as independent variables the traits easily measured. Peach palm biomass can be precisely estimated by allometric relationships. Main stem height, measured from ground level until first leaf insertion, was the ideal trait to indirectly estimate biomass in peach palm commercial cultivation. The contribution of the affshots biomass to the total above ground biomass, from planting to first harvesting is very low and can be neglected.
Bactris gasipaes; growth; heart-of-palm; pejibaye; offshoot
