USE OF SUBSTRATES FOR GROWING Hancornia speciosa Gomes SEEDLINGS IN PLASTIC TUBES

Abstract

Mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) is a native fruit species from the Brazilian savannah. Its sexual propagation depends on a suitable substrate, because it interferes with seed germination and seedling establishment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different substrates for growing mangabeira seedlings in plastic tubes. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in Cassilândia, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with four replications and 15 seeds per plot. Five substrates were evaluated: A (washed sand + Plantmax® + soil, 1:1:3 v:v:v), B (carbonized rice husk + Plantmax® + soil, 1:1:3), C (carbonized rice husk + earthworm humus + soil, 1:1:3), D (bovine manure + Plantmax® + soil, 1:1:3), and E (bovine manure + soil, 2:3). The following parameters were evaluated: plant emergence percentage, emergence speed index, mortality percentage, seedling height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, chlorophyll leaf index, and shoot, root, and whole plant dry mass. From the results, substrates C, D, and E can be used for growing mangabeira seedlings in plastic tubes.