Pitaya, a climbing fruit species belonging to the cactus family, has been largely commercialized in the Brazilian exotic fruit market. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different substrates on the rooting of cladodes with the base immersed or not in boric acid solution. There was also evaluated the formation and initial development of roots, resulting in more vigorous, high-quality seedlings with higher survival rates. The experiment was carried out in a lath house of the Department of Plant Production, Horticulture Sector, College of Agronomical Sciences, Botucatu Campus, São Paulo State University (UNESP). The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design, in a 4x2 (substrates x boron) factorial arrangement, with four replicates. Sixty days after the experiment establishment, shoot fresh and dry matter, root fresh and dry matter, and the highest root length were evaluated. The initial root growth and development of cuttings were affected by the substrates and boron. Sand+manure provided higher phytomass accumulation in the shoot and root system of red pitaya. Among the substrates, the treatment sand + cattle manure was the most suitable to produce more vigorous and high-quality seedlings.
Adventitious roots; cutting; Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose
