Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the formation of tamarind tree seedlings in different protected environments and substrates. Five protected environments were used and substrates using combinations of different proportions of humus, cattle manure, vermiculite, and cassava stems. The environments with screens and the environments with polyethylene films were conducive to the emergence of the tamarind seedlings. All the substrates presented adequate conditions for the emergence of seedlings in these environments. The environment covered with bacuri straw was not favorable to the emergence of the tamarind seedlings. The substrates containing cattle manure provided the best conditions for emergence in the environment covered with bacuri straw. The greenhouses and the screenhouse with the aluminized screen and the substrates containing manure provided the largest number of leaves, larger plants, and larger diameters. The mixture of cassava stems and cattle manure, as well as the mixture of three or four tested materials, are conducive to the development and accumulation of biomass in tamarind seedlings. The mixture of humus with vermiculite or cassava stems is not indicated for the biomass accumulation in tamarind seedlings. Greenhouses and screens are indicated for the formation of high-quality seedlings.
Highlights
Originating in tropical Africa, the tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica L.) has stood out among the many exotic fruit trees grown in Brazil, as it is a crop adaptable to edaphoclimatic conditions, being quite resistant to drought but susceptible to the action of frosts (Pereira et al, 2010)
This fact can be explained by the micrometeorological conditions of the Aquidauana region and by the time of the experiment development (December to February - rainy season), which provided adequate conditions for the rapid germination and emergence of the tamarind seedlings
The rise in temperature observed in A1 favored the emergence speed index of tamarind seedlings (Table 2), as this species is adapted to high temperatures, corroborating Santos et al (2011), who, when evaluating protected environments and substrates in the formation of seedlings of Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. found that the agricultural greenhouse provided the seedlings with a higher emergency speed index (ESI)
Summary
Originating in tropical Africa, the tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica L.) has stood out among the many exotic fruit trees grown in Brazil, as it is a crop adaptable to edaphoclimatic conditions, being quite resistant to drought but susceptible to the action of frosts (Pereira et al, 2010). The initial phase of the crop is decisive for the success of the orchard: any mistake made in the seedling production process may cause damage to the period of exploitation of the crop (Pereira et al, 2008; Góes et al, 2011). In this sense, research regarding the substrates and the protected environments of the crop are fundamental for the germination process and establishment of the seedling, as factors such as structure, aeration, water retention capacity, and degree of contamination by pathogens may vary according to the material used, favoring or harming seed germination (Alves et al, 2011). The cultivation environment influences the plant's initial development, adding vigor to the seedlings and, better adaptation and survival in the field (Cavalcante et al, 2002; Costa et al, 2009)
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