Inclusion of Babassu Decomposed Stem Substrates on the Pattern of the Vegetative Growth of Passion Fruit Seedlings

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the biological rhythm of the vegetative growth and nutrient content of the yellow passion fruit seedlings produced in substrates with different levels of based on the decomposed stem and babassu (DBS): S1 – 20%, S2 – 40%, S3 – 60%, S4 – 80%, S5 – 100% DBS and S6: commercial. Were investigated the plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), emergency speed index (ESI), germination (%G), leaves number (NL), root length (RL), root volume (RV), dry mass of the shoot (SDM), dry mass of the root system (DMRS), Dickson quality index (DQI) periodically for 60 days. The accumulated nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and B) contents were determined after this period. The data were submitted to ANOVA, significant means were compared by the Tukey test (P < .01). ANOVA results showed a significant effect (P < .01) for using DBS in 80% (S4 and S5) on RV, DQI, and DMRS in relation to the commercial one. In addition, there was greater accumulation (P < .01) of N, P, K and B in contents S4 and S5. Therefore, the use of the babassu decomposing stem as a substrate positively influences the vegetative growth rate of yellow passion fruit seedlings, especially due to its nutritional aspect, promoting a greater accumulation of nutrients, mainly boron. Mixing with the soil in the ratio 80/20, respectively, promotes the best biometric and nutritional responses, with the best quality conditions for seedling formation.