REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY OF PEACH PALMS (Bactris gasipaes KUNTH, ARECACEAE) GROWING IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO

Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) was commercially introduced in São Paulo the 1980s, as an alternative for heart-of-palm production, being currently main species cultivated this purpose. Phenological studies on fowering/fruiting, addition to contributing breeding program, can provide subsidies seed production technology. The objective of research evaluate reproductive phenology peach palm, relate observed patterns with climatic elements and estimate its stages when three locations State Paulo. experiments were carried out IAC Palm Collection, planted September/1992, Pariquera-Açu; Pindorama Mococa. We selected 173, 282 150 plants evaluation 30, 32 33 stages, between July/June, different years each area, 2013 2019. Data analyzed by activity index Spearman correlation (rs) percentage palms phenophase month variables same month, from one two months earlier. fowering time depends location where is cultivated, infuenced average temperature evapotranspiration Pariquera-Açu precipitation prevailing fruiting are preceding phenological event Mococa it also precipitation. varies 41 50 days lasts 116 Pindorama.