Initial development and nutrition of Eugenia dysenterica DC. on substrates formulated with sugarcane bagasse and filter cake

Abstract

The 'Eugenia dysenterica' DC.is a species native toBrazilian Cerrado(popularly known as cagaita),which presents many medicinal and nutritional properties.There is little information on about the propagation of this plant using seedlings.The sugarcane bagasse (SB) and filter cake (FC) can be an alternative for low-cost substrates formulation in regions with sugarcane production like the Cerrado region. This study aimed to investigate the use of SB and FC as substrates in the proportions of 100%SB, 75:25% SB:FC, 50:50% SB:FC, 25:75% SB:FC and 100% FC, along with a comercial subtrate (Trimix)for the initial development of 'E.dysenterica'. The variables such particle density (PD), water availability(WA), remaining water (WR), aeration space(AS) and total porosity (TP) of the substrates were studied.The 'E.dysenterica' seeds were sown in appropriate plastic containers filled with288 cm3 of respective substrates.The seedlings were evaluated for plant height (H), stem diameter ( ), leaf area (A), shoot, root and total dry matter, and Dickson Quality Index (DQI), along with macronutrients accumulation,120 days after sowing.The treatment with combinationof25:75% SB:FC seemed to be a very appropriate substrate for production of 'E.dysenterica' seedlings. This combination has shown adequate values for physical quality parameters.The reduction of SB proportion and increasing the FC caused increases in PD, WR and TP parameters and contrarily reduction inWA and AS. They promoted higher values for development of H, , A, plant dry mass and DQI as well as the highest accumulation of N, P, K and Ca.