Plant quality index of caracolillo (Ormosia macrocalyx Ducke), in nursery stage with controlled release fertilizers

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate, in a nursery, the effect of two controlled release fertilizers in three concentrations on the growth components and quality index in caracolillo seedlings. Design/Methodology/Approach: A factorial arrangement (2 x 3) housed in a completely randomized design was used, with seven treatments and twelve repetitions. For three months, the growth of caracolillo plants maintained in 310 cm3 polyethylene tubes, with a substrate of peat moss, vermiculite, agrolite and soil (2:1:1:1), plus controlled release fertilizer (CRF) Basacote® 9M (16-8-12) and Multicote® 12M (18-6-12), in three doses each: 10 (low), 20 (medium) and 30 kg m-3 (high), in addition to a control without conventional fertilization (CF) 17N-17P-17K in doses of 10 kg m-3. The variables height, diameter, leaf number, robustness index (RI), aerial/root dry biomass ratio (ADB/RDB R) and Dickson’s quality index (DQI) were measured. The means were compared by Tukey’s test at a 5% confidence level. Results: Basacote® and Multicote® fertilizers in low doses allowed an adequate growth and development in caracolillo plants, which was reflected in the variables height, diameter and number of leaves. The RI and DQI indices presented values within the normal ranges, while those of ADB/RDB R were rather low, but in the three cases there were no statistical differences. Study Limitations/Implications: Based on the results obtained, it is recommended to continue monitoring the studied plants in the field, which would allow adjustments in the initial fertilization doses. Findings/Conclusions: The low doses (10 kg m-3) of the controlled release fertilizers Basacote® and Multicote® showed the best results in the growth and development of caracolillo in the nursery stage, but the RI, ADB/RDB R and DQI indices did not present statistical differences.