Initial seedling development of Tectona grandis L. f. under different substrates and shading level

Abstract

The management of nurseries poses a delicate task within a forest seedling production system, where quality is paramount for successful cultivation. Seedlings serve as the initiation point in the production process, exerting subsequent impacts on plant performance in the field. This study aimed to evaluate the production of Tectona grandis seedlings under varying shading levels and substrates. Six shading levels (0%, 18%, 35%, 50%, 70%, and 80%) and two substrates (Vivatto Slim Plus® and 50% Vivatto Slim Plus® + 50% sand) were stipulated. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of ten plants; each shading level was considered as one experiment. Seedling emergence, stem diameter, length of the largest root, height of aerial part, total length, fresh and dry biomass of aerial part and root systems, total dry biomass, and Dickson's quality index were evaluated. Direct exposure to sunlight negatively impacts the development of Tectona grandis seedlings, with 18% shading recommended. The commercial substrate Vivatto Slim Plus® proved suitable for the production of higher-quality seedlings.