Estimation of fig (Ficus carica L.) yield in fertigation using linear regression

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the fig (Ficus carica L.) yield in fertigation, through the use of linear regression, under the conditions of the Mixteca region of Puebla. Design/Methodology/Approach: The plants were established in 10-L black polyethylene bags, using pine sawdust as a substrate. The treatments consisted of 6 variations of the following nutrient solution: 1.52 mg L-1 of potassium nitrate, 0.08 mL L-1 of phosphoric acid, and 0.38 mg L-1 of magnesium sulfate. Plant height, number of fruits per plant, and growth speed (cm day-1) were determined. A completely randomized experimental design was used and the levels of nutrient solution and orthogonal contrasts were subjected to a linear regression analysis, through the SAS® On Demand for Academics statistical package. Results: The linear model describes the behavior of the data with an alpha of 0.01. A 60% nutrient solution level has a greater effect on growth and generates highly significant differences in both the plant height increase rate and plant height variables. Study Limitations/Implications: This study includes only preliminary results; therefore, a longer period is necessary for data collection. Additionally, the following variables must also be included: yield and the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium in plant tissue. Findings/Conclusions: Plant growth (height) can be estimated through the application of a linear model. An increasing linear behavior was observed in height with respect to the levels determined 50 days after the experiment was established. There are highly significant differences between the 60% dose and the rest of the treatments.