Hydroponic rocket salad growth and production according to different color profiles

Denise Schmidt,Braulio O Caron,Carine Cocco,Vilson J Gabriel,Velci Q Souza,Ricardo Boscaini,Renes R Pinheiro

doi:10.1590/s0102-053620170117

Denise Schmidt, Braulio O Caron + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-053620170117

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Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different profile colors based on nutrient flux on microclimate, growth and yield of four rocket cultivars. The experiment was conducted during four months in a protected environment in the NLT system, which consisted of benches composed of eight hydroponic profiles for the plants conduction. The treatments were arranged in a 4x2x2 factorial design, with four cultivars (Cultivada, Folha Larga, Rococo and Runway), two color profiles (black and white) and two growing seasons (autumn and winter). The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with three replications. The evaluations were realized on every four days, throughout the growth period. Leaves fresh and dry mass, stems and roots, plant height, leaf number and leaf area index were evaluated. The different color profiles resulted in variations on crop growth and production due to the thermal changes within the hydroponic profile. The greatest growth and increased productivity were obtained from plants cultivated in white growing channels during the autumn. The cultivars Cultivada, Folha Larga and Rococo have similar performance, better than ‘Runway’.

Highlights

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes cores de perfil de cultivo em NLT sobre o microclima, o crescimento e a produção de quatro cultivares de rúcula, em duas estações do ano
According to Mattos et al (2001), another important factor to be considered for obtaining high yields is the radiant energy balance on the bench, which can be different depending on the cover material, conditioning the air temperature inside the solution circulation channel, which is part of the root system development environment
Meteorological data showed that the average air temperature recorded in the autumn season was 18.1°C and during winter was 18.2°C

Summary

Introduction

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes cores de perfil de cultivo em NLT sobre o microclima, o crescimento e a produção de quatro cultivares de rúcula, em duas estações do ano. O experimento foi conduzido durante quatro meses em ambiente protegido, no sistema NLT, constituído por bancadas, compostas por oito perfis hidropônicos para a condução das plantas. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial 4x2x2, sendo quatro cultivares (Cultivada, Folha Larga, Rococó e Runway), duas cores de perfis (preto e branco) e duas estações de cultivo (outono e inverno). O maior crescimento e maior produtividade foram obtidos em plantas cultivadas em canais de cultivo de cor branca, durante o outono. The rocket production can be done throughout the year, but its growth is favored by mild temperature conditions. The thermal regime in the roots environment can affect water and nutrients absorption and the plant shoots and roots growth (Yan et al, 2012)

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