Abstract
The use of controlled-release fertilizers is a promising alternative for supplying nutrients during the initial growth of nursery seedlings. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of different doses of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) on initial growth and nutritional status in seedlings of Anonna cacans Warm. The seeds were originally sown in a seedbed and then, after initial seedling development, were transplanted into polyethylene bags containing a substrate of washed medium sand, to which different doses of CRF had been added before transplanting. The experimental design was completely randomised, with four treatments, five doses of Osmocote® NPK 19-06-10 formulation (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 g L-1 of substrate), with four replications, each replication comprising three seedlings (one in each container). Increases in root-collar diameter and plant height were determined throughout the experimental period (6 months) from data collected every 30 days after transplanting. At the end of the experiment the following were evaluated: height, root-collar diameter, N concentration, chlorophyll index, chlorophyll concentration (a, b and total) and leaf area. Root-collar diameter and height showed a positive linear response to increases in the fertilizer dose. From a 4 g L-1 dose of CRF, the nutrient supply added to the substrate of medium sand optimises the initial phase of plant growth and guarantees the adequate nutritional status of Anonna cacans, and can be suggested as a viable technique for use in forest nurseries, and one which results in efficient use of the input material and avoids fertilizer wastage.
Highlights
Anonna cacans Warm, known locally as araticum-cagão, is a native forest species belonging to the family Annonaceae
The results suggest that use of the highest dose of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) under test was enough to supply the nutrient demand of the plants, allowing them to present increasing values, which were greater in comparison to those of the control treatment
There are no specific experiments for this species that might recommend the ideal plant size for use in recovery programs, the superiority of both variables is both sought and necessary to guarantee greater survival and growth in the seedlings after planting in the field
Summary
Anonna cacans Warm, known locally as araticum-cagão, is a native forest species belonging to the family Annonaceae. An improvement has recently been seen in the methods of seedling production in forest species, from promoting cultivation in protected environments, to the use of substrates and containers, and the use of fertilizers, all with the aim of accelerating plant growth and at the same time achieving superior characteristics of vigour, resistance, robustness and nutrition (Souza Júnior and Brancalion, 2016). These characteristics may guarantee greater success in the initial establishment of the plants in the field, even in the face of adverse conditions, fostering successful recovery programs in degraded areas (Gonçalves and Benedetti, 2005)
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