Calcium particle film improves sweet potato growth and partitioning

Alexandre Passos Oliveira,Pryanka Thuyra Nascimento Fontes,Abraão Almeida Santos,Marcelo Augusto Gutierrez Carnelossi,Luiz Fernando Ganassali De Oliveira Junior,Jailson Lara Fagundes

doi:10.1590/1983-40632021v5167814

Alexandre Passos Oliveira, Pryanka Thuyra Nascimento Fontes + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-40632021v5167814

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Abstract

ABSTRACT High temperatures may affect the development and yield of the sweet potato crop. Technologies such as particle films can mitigate their effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium oxide (CaO) particle film on sweet potato remobilization and accumulation of photoassimilates, as well as its impact on the crop yield. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replicates per treatment: control, 5, 10 and 15 % of CaO. In general, there was an increase for root volume; average weight per root; dry and fresh weight of roots, branches and leaves; and growth rates at 10 % of CaO. The highest yield and number of marketable roots were observed at 10 and 15 % of CaO. The use of 10 % of CaO caused an increase in the remobilization of photoassimilates and, consequently, an increase in the sweet potato yield.

Highlights

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is cultivated worldwide for human and animal feeding (Chandrasekara & Kumar 2016)
According to the soil analysis, the pH was higher in the experimental plots where calcium oxide (CaO) films were applied, as well as Ca + Mg and Ca (Table 1), indicating that the particle film may cause a local indirect liming in the soil, increasing its pH and, the plant nutrient absorption
The particle film caused artificial shading, and the application occurred on leaves

Summary

Introduction

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is cultivated worldwide for human and animal feeding (Chandrasekara & Kumar 2016). Around 107 million tons are produced annually, making it one of the most cultivated tuberous roots (FAO 2017). In Brazil, it is the fourth most consumed tuberous root, with an annual production estimated at 600,000 tons (IBGE 2017). The Northeast region is the primary producer of sweet potato in Brazil, mainly by small farmers, as it requires less technology and has a low production cost (Figueiredo et al 2012). Dry and warm conditions seem to limit the cultivation of sweet potato in the Brazilian Northeast region due to water, thermal and luminous stress. Particle films can mitigate unfavorable climate conditions on sweet potato crops in this region

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