Growth of angico-vermelho seedlings at different substrates volume

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of substrate volume on the quality of angico-vermelho (Parapiptadenia rigida (Benth.) Brenan) seedlings. Plastic tubes of circular cross section and volume of 50, 100 and 175 cm³ were used. A completely randomized design was used with treatments consisting of three substrate volumes with six replications. Seedlings quality were evaluate through the following attributes: seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, shoot and root dry weight and total dry biomass. These variables were used to determine: height/stem diameter, root dry weight/shoot dry biomass, height/air dry biomass and Dickson quality index. The volume of substrate inside the tube affects the quality of angico-vermelho seedlings. Seedlings grown in larger tubes (175 cm³) showed better performance. The smallest container (50 cm³) limited plant growth, resulting in seedlings with low quality.