Abstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of shading on growth and gas exchange of seedlings of Microdesmia rigida, keeping them under the levels of 0% (full sun), 50% and 70% shading, arranged in a completely randomized design (DIC), with four replications. Plant height, stem diameter, height/diameter ratio, absolute growth rate, leaf area, plant dry matter weight, dry root/shoot weight ratio, Dickson Quality Index (DQI), transpiration, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rate, internal CO2 concentration, chlorophyll contents a, b and total were analysed. There was a reduction in the rate of transpiration and increase in stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rate and internal CO2 concentration with increased shading. Shading decreased the concentration of chlorophyll a while promoting an increase in chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, with no significant difference between the levels of 50% and 70% of shading. The shaded environments provided greater growth in height, diameter, leaf area, in addition to providing greater accumulation of dry mass and IQD. It is recommended to produce seedlings of M. rigida seedlings, during the nursery phase, under 50% shading, as this condition provides the achievement of better seedling quality indexes.
Highlights
Since they are photosynthetic beings, growing plants can be affected by many environmental factors, such as light, temperature, water, nutrients and so on
The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of shading on growth and gas exchange of seedlings of Microdesmia rigida, keeping them under the levels of 0%, 50% and 70% shading, arranged in a completely randomized design (DIC), with four replications
There was a reduction in the rate of transpiration and increase in stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rate and internal CO2 concentration with increased shading
Summary
Since they are photosynthetic beings, growing plants can be affected by many environmental factors, such as light, temperature, water, nutrients and so on. Light is the source of energy for photosynthesis and one of the most important environmental factors for growing plants (Vandenbussche et al, 2003). Despite the importance of light in controlling the growth rate of plant species, and shading being important in the initial establishment of seedlings, the number of researches regarding native species in the Caatinga is still incipient. Studies with M. rigida, addressing aspects of shading, whether in the nursery phase or growing in the field, are non-existent, and the answers arising from this research will contribute to expand knowledge about this species, which is not explored from the scientific point of view. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of shading on growth and gas exchange of M. seedlings in a nursery
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
