Lettuce transplant production in different substrates and shadings

Abstract

The transplant production represents one of the most important stages of the horticultural production system. Therefore, special attention should be given to the choice of the substrate and environment-light favourable for the development of transplants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combination of different substrates and shaded environments in the production of lettuce transplants. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with 3 factorial substrates (Bioplant®, compost and compost + earth)×4 shades (50, 30, 18%, and Agrotextile), with four replicates. The percentage and emergence speed index were evaluated daily, and at 21 days of germination, height and diameter of shoots, root length, fresh and dry mass of shoot and root were evaluated. There was an interaction between substrate×shades to shoot height and the emergence speed index. There was also an isolated effect for substrates and shading compared to shoot diameter, root length, fresh and dry mass of shoot and root, and emergence. Bioplant® commercial substrate and 50% shading showed better results in the production of lettuce transplants, with mean values of 3.23 cm for the height of shoots and 62.76 for the emergence speed index. However, the organic compost appeared a beneficial alternative substrate with positive results in the height of shoots and emergence speed index, showing better performance on shading Agrotextile and presenting mean values of 2.29 and 15.99, respectively.