Abstract
The cultivation of native tree species of economic and environmental interest, such as Cordia trichotoma, still depends on nutritional information. This study aimed to identify the effect of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) application on the growth and photosynthetic activity of seedlings of Cordia trichotoma. In a greenhouse, ten treatments were tested considering three levels of P (150, 300, and 450 mg dm-3), three of K (50, 100, and 150 mg dm-3) and a control sample (with no fertilization). Pots filled with Red Argisol were used. At 180 days after prick, the following variables were evaluated: shoot height, stem diameter, area dry matter, root dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll a fluorescence and photosynthetic pigments. The supplementation with P and K promoted increased growth and photosynthetic capacity of the seedlings. The treatment with 450 mg dm-3 of P and 50 mg dm-3 of K provided the highest growth and the best use of the light energy by the photosystem II (Fv/Fm = 0.76), as well as lower energy loss index (Fo = 172.5). It is recommended the application of 450 mg dm-3 of P and 50 mg dm-3 of K, with the aim at higher growth and photosynthetic rate of seedlings of C. trichotoma.
Highlights
Studies related to the morphophysiological performance of tropical tree species with commercial and ecological potential are incipient, mainly in respect to the demand of essential nutrients for the growth of these individuals in field planting
Control treatment resulted in the lowest values for the morphological attributes (H, stem diameter (SD), area dry matter (ADM), root dry matter (RDM), leaf area (LA)), and the major averages elapsed from combinations with the highest P concentration
The positive response to fertilization observed in the morphological attributes of C. trichotoma seedlings reflects the requirement of the species in relation to soil fertility, with restriction on the growth of both shoot and root area under inadequate nutrition (Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E)
Summary
Studies related to the morphophysiological performance of tropical tree species with commercial and ecological potential are incipient, mainly in respect to the demand of essential nutrients for the growth of these individuals in field planting. Among these species, Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arrab. Ex Steud stands out, popularly known as louro-pardo, and it is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical forests in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia This species is recognized for the quality of its wood, which is used in the construction of luxury furniture, decorative covers and civil construction by presenting easy workability, classifying it with high commercial value.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
