Potential of Pinus elliottii Engelm. needles as substrate conditioner for the production of “Fepagro C37 reck”Citrus rootstocks”

Henrique Ceccagno,Eduarda Demari Avrella,Gilmar Schäfer,Claudimar Sidnei Fior,Vitor Dutra de Souza

doi:10.1590/0100-29452019039

Henrique Ceccagno, Eduarda Demari Avrella + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-29452019039

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Abstract

Abstract The production of citrus seedlings in protected environment requires a large amount of substrate, which must have adequate physical and chemical characteristics. The use of acidic conditioners, such as Pinus needles mixed with alkaline substrates, allows the cultivation of seedlings with better quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the development of the “Fepagro C37 Reck” rootstock grown in different alkaline commercial substrate mixtures (Humosolo ES®) with Pinus elliottii needles. The experiment was carried out by testing alkaline substrate mixed with 5-month old of decomposition Pinus needles in situ decomposition and two granulometry sizes, 3.5 and 8.0 mm. The mixtures were performed in proportions between the needles with the Humosolo, (v / v) 0%; 25%; 50%; 75% and 100%. Expanded cellular polystyrene trays were used to accommodate the mixtures and seeding of the rootstock. Physical and chemical evaluateons of the mixtures were carried out, as well as the development of the seedlings. The use of Pinus needles acidified the substrate Humosolo ES®, reduced its electrical conductivity and increased the percentage of porous space of the mixtures and reduced water retention. The treatments containing 25 and 50% of the Pinus needles mixture, regardless of the granulometry, provide greater development of rootstock plants “Fepagro C37 Reck”.

Highlights

Agribusiness is an extremely important sector for the Brazilian economy
Due to the characteristics of the mentioned material and to the great importance of the substrate in the cultivation of plants in containers, the objective of this work was to evaluate the production of a citrus rootstock (“Fepagro C37 Reck”) grown in different proportions of an alkaline commercial substrate, due to the characteristics of the previously mentioned materials and the great importance of the substrate (Hum solo ES®) and crushed Pinus elliottii needles on the germination phase
Statistical analysis of the data showed no interaction between particle size and Pinus needles proportion for the variables tested in the study

Summary

Introduction

Agribusiness is an extremely important sector for the Brazilian economy. In relation to the fruit industry, citrus is considered one of the most important segments, for human nutrition, and for the economic values obtained with this product, supplying the domestic and international market. The most used citrus rootstocks in Rio Grande do Sul are “Trifoliata” (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) and their hybrids, due to their tolerance to lower temperatures. One of these hybrids, “Fepagro C37 Reck”, has desirable characteristics such as induction of canopy tolerance to low winter temperatures; reduction of plant size; promotion of the production of quality fruits; in addition to presenting a faster development in the nursery in comparison to P. trifoliata (OLIVEIRA et al, 2010; KOLLER, 2013). The average time for the production of citrus seedlings in Rio Grande do Sul using the open-air system is, on average, three years (KOLLER, 1994), compared to hot climate regions. The production of seedlings in the protected environment allows producing a seedling in up to 22 months, which demands a great amount of substrate since the production is carried out in containers (AZEVEDO et al, 2009)

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