Dickson Quality Index Research Articles

Effect of substrate formulations on seedlings of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntz, a critically endangered species from Southern Brazil

Araucaria angustifolia, vulgarmente conhecida como araucária ou pinheiro do Paraná, é uma espécie de planta ameaçada de extinção, nativa do sul do Brasil. O cultivo desta espécie é uma abordagem importante para reduzir o desmatamento assegurando a geração de renda. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes formulações de substrato no crescimento, qualidade e teores de clorofila de mudas de araucária em um sistema conjugado substrato/recipiente, como uma abordagem para promover a propagação e o cultivo da espécie. As sementes foram semeadas em quatro composições diferentes de substrato: F73 (casca de pínus, fibra de casca de coco, fertilizante de liberação lenta [FLL] e fertilizantes fosfatados), F55 (casca de pínus, fibra de casca de coco [em maior proporção que em F73], FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados), T55 (casca de pínus, turfa nacional, FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados) e CC55 (casca de pínus, turfa de esfagno, palha de arroz, FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados). As mudas foram mantidas em uma área de viveiro em um sistema conjugado substrato/recipiente, com irrigação manual. Após 180 dias da semeadura, as mudas foram avaliadas quanto à altura, diâmetro de coleto, áreas foliares e radiculares, massa seca de brotações e raízes e teores de clorofilas a, b e clorofilas totais. O quociente de robustez e o índice de qualidade de Dickson (IQD) também foram calculados com base nas variáveis ​​biométricas. Os substratos F73 e CC55 promoveram maior crescimento de altura e diâmetro de coleto em comparação com outros substratos. Outras variáveis ​​relacionadas ao crescimento e qualidade das mudas e aos níveis de clorofila não diferiram em função dos substratos. A massa seca de raiz e massa seca total foram correlacionadas positivamente com o IQD. O diâmetro do coleto apresentou alta correlação positiva com a altura, a massa seca da parte aérea e a massa seca total das mudas de A.angustifolia.

Qualidade de mudas de mamoeiro Formosa (Carica papaya L.) produzidas em substratos com rejeitos de mica na composição e fertilização com urina de vaca

<p class="Normal1">Although papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one of the most expressive crops of Brazilian fruit, there is no information on the production of seedlings of this species on substrates with muscovite tailings (mica) and the use of cow urine as an organic fertilizer. The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of substrates with different proportions of mica and with the use of cow urine as organic fertilizer on the quality of Formosa papaya seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, corresponding to the percentages of 0.0%; 25.0%; 50.0%; 75.0% and 100.0% mica in the substrate with and without weekly application of cow’s urine diluted in water (5.0%) and fifteen repetitions. The variables analyzed were stem height / diameter ratio, total leaf area, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass, leaf biomass allocation, stem biomass allocation, root biomass allocation and Dickson quality index. Formosa papaya seedlings with better agronomic quality were produced with substrate with 48.3% mica in the composition and weekly application of cow urine diluted in 5.0% water </p>

Sewage sludge and rice husk as potential substrate to produce Mimosa setosa seedlings

In the production of forest seedlings one of the main factors to be analyzed is the formulation of the substrate that meets the needs of the plants that will be produced. For this, the choice of substrate must consider the physical characteristics of the material, its chemical composition, as well as its availability, quality, easy handling and cost. This study aimed to investigate the potential of sewage sludge and rice husk for the production of seedlings of Mimosa setosa. The experiment was conducted in structures of a forest nursery, localized in the municipality of Alegre-ES, in 110 cm³ tubes arranged in a completely randomized design constituted by ten treatments with four replications of 54 seedlings per plot. The treatments were formulated using sewage sludge, raw rice husks and carbonized rice husk. At five months after sowing we measured plant height, root collar diameter, height/diameter ratio, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total dry matter, shoot to root dry weight ratio and Dickson Quality Index. The substrates formulated with carbonized rice husk promoted the best results for all morphological characteristics analyzed. The multivariate analysis showed higher correlation of treatments with carbonized rice husk (T6, T7, T8 and T9) regarding height, root collar diameter, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and total dry matter. For the production of Mimosa setosa seedlings the best responses resulted from the substrate formulated with 60% sewage sludge + 40% carbonized rice husk.

Calidad de planta de seis especies del género Pinus producidas en bolsas de polietileno

Los restauradores de áreas degradadas requieren de planta de calidad con atributos morfológicos ideales para lograr su establecimiento con éxito en el sitio de la plantación, aun cuando las condiciones del sitio sean adversas. Para conocer la calidad de seis especies de pino que serán empleadas durante la reforestación y restauración de terrenos forestales en el Estado de México, se realizó la evaluación de cinco atributos morfológicos con base en lo citado en la Norma Mexicana NMX-AA-170-SCFI-2016 y un artículo científico en el Vivero Forestal Héroes Bicentenario de Tecámac: diámetro al cuello de la raíz (DC), altura desde la base hasta la yema apical (Alt), índice de esbeltez (IE=Alt/DC), relación biomasa seca aérea y biomasa seca de raíz (BSA/BSR) e índice de calidad de Dickson (ICD). Para DC, los resultados mostraron que todas las especies, excepto Pinus ayacahuite, tuvieron calidad alta. En Alt, P. greggii y P. leiophylla tuvieron la mejor calidad; mientras que en IE, todos los taxones, menos P. greggii, presentaron alta calidad. Para la relación BSA/BSR: P. cembroides, P. ayacahuite y P. hartwegii fueron los mejores, y para ICD, P. hartwegii presentó el mayor valor de calidad. Al considerar todos los indicadores morfológicos juntos, se determinó que P. cembroides y P. greggii registraron la mejor calidad de planta. Esta información es clave para analizar la supervivencia esperada en campo y tomar decisiones oportunas en la gestión forestal.

Agricultural residues as substrates in the production of formosa papaya, okra and zucchini seedlings

Using residues generated in agriculture to produce seedlingsis an economically interesting alternative, besides being a way to reduce the environmental impacts caused by their inadequate disposal. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of using coffee chaff (CC) and organic compost (OC) as substrate components for the production of Formosa papaya seedlings and the potential of grape pomace (GP), a vitiviniculture residue, in the composition of substrates for the production of okra and zucchini seedlings. We carried out two trials in a completely randomized design (CRD): the first had seven treatments and six replicates: T0: 100% commercial substrate Bioplant® (CS); from T1 to T6: increasing proportions of CC and decreasing of CC: 10/90; 20/80; 30/70; 40/60; 50/50 e 60/40%. The second had six treatments and six replicates, with increasing proportions of GP and decreasing proportions of CS: 0/100; 10/90; 20/80; 30/70; 40/60 and 50/50%.In the first trial we evaluated the number of leaves, root length, seedling height, stem diameter, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass and Dickson Quality Index (DQI) at 59 days after sowing.The second trialwas performed at 12 and 18 DAS and we analyzed the number of leaves, plant height, root length, collar diameter, shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass and Dickson Quality Index (DQI). Variables that met the assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity were subjected to Dunnett’s test. The substrate composed of coffee chaff and organic compost has a high potential to be used as an alternative substrate due to promote better quality of papaya seedlings compared to the commercial substrate. Alternative substrate containing 60% coffee chaff and 40% organic compost is recommended for the production of Formosa papaya seedlings in tubes. The grape pomace (GP) has a high potential to be used as component in substrate for the production of okra and zucchini seedlings compared to the commercial substrate (CS) only. Alternative substrate composed of 50% GP and 50% CS is recommended for the production of zucchini seedlings, while substrate composed of 10% GP and 90% CS is recommended for the production of okra seedlings.

Growth and quality of SJ-02 cocoa seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) under different irrigation depths and cultivation containers

The study aimed to evaluate the growth and quality of SJ-02 cocoa seedlings under different irrigation depths and cultivation container sizes. The experiment was arranged as a completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme (4x3), where the first factor consisted of the application of four different irrigation depths (6, 10, 12 and 14 mm d-1) and the second one was composed of three different cultivation containers (small, medium and large). Twelve treatments were evaluated with eight repetitions, totaling 96 plants in the experimental field. At 74 days after sowing, the leaf area, stem diameter, plant height, dry mass of the aerial part, dry mass of the root system, total dry mass and Dickson's quality index of all seedlings were analyzed. The 10.32 mm d-1 irrigation depth and the medium and large cultivation containers provided the highest quality in seedling production, being the most suitable ones. However, there was no interaction between the factors

Sexual propagation of common Bahia cocoa seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) influenced by irrigation depths and the planting seasons

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the most economically important species due to its use in the production of chocolate, honey, pulp, animal feed, fertilizers, jellies, butter and cocoa powder. The production of seedlings such as through sexual propagation is the essential stage for the establishment of new cocoa crops, in which the seedlings are produced by seeds. This is the most commonly used method in cocoa. Several factors interfere with the final quality of the seedlings, such as the planting season and the irrigation management. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different irrigation depths and planting seasons on the quality and growth of Bahia genotype cocoa seedlings produced through sexual propagation. The study took place at the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo, Campus Itapina, in Colatina, located in the Northwest region of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized in a split-plot scheme. The plots consisted of six different irrigation depths: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm d-1 and the subplots, of three different planting seasons: autumn, winter and spring. At 50 days after sowing, the seedlings were evaluated for the following morphological characteristics: plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, length of the root system, dry mass of the aerial part, dry mass of the root system, total dry mass and Dickson quality index. The production of Common Bahia genotype cacao seedlings is more effective in the irrigation depth of 9.44 mm d-1, demonstrating better development and higher plant quality.

COMPOSTING PROCESS IN THE PRODUCTION OF LETTUCE SEEDLING SUBSTRATES: EFFECT OF COVERING AND TURNING FREQUENCY

ABSTRACT The composting of waste from a broiler chicken production chain (BCPC) promotes the mitigation of environmental impacts and allows the commercialization of compost as an agricultural input. Both the characteristics and the potential for use of the final compost depends on the operational conditions during composting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of organic compounds generated from composting BCPC residues and the pruning debris of urban trees in the germination and initial growth of lettuce seedlings. Six organic substrates obtained under different coverage conditions (presence and absence) and number of turns (8, 12, and 16) were evaluated using the germination index (IG) and Dickson quality index (DQI) for the production of seedlings in trays and compared with a commercial substrate. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the IG is not related to the DQI. The compounds produced without coverage showed lower levels of electrical conductivity (p < 0.05) and potassium (p < 0.05) due to the leaching of soluble salts during composting. These substrates did not inhibit seed germination (IG ≥ 75%), but resulted in less robust seedlings, mainly in relation to the aerial portion. BCPC residues were viable for composting treatment and the DQI of the organic compounds (0.0125) used as substrates for the initial growth of lettuce seedlings were, on average, 14% higher than that obtained from the commercial substrate (0.090), indicating that the organic compounds were of better quality.

Resposta de Handroanthus heptaphyllus Mattos em diferentes volumes de substrato e adubação de base.

Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Martius) Mattos response in different volumes of substrate and base fertilization. The native forest species require the adoption of appropriate practices in the nursery, such as the definition of the container volume and base fertilizer, to develop seedlings at lower cost. Thus, this study aimed to verify the performance of Handroanthus heptaphyllus seedlings grown in nurseries in different sizes of containers and different dosage of controlled release fertilizer (CRF). There was interaction between the volume of container and the fertilization for the height (H), stem diameter (SD), and H/SD relation. The shoot dry mass variable (SDM), root dry mass (RDM), total dry mass (TDM), SDM/RDM relation, Dickson quality index (DCI) and leaf area (LA) were influenced only by the base fertilizer. The highest values for these variables were, respectively, 15.68 cm; 6.55 mm, 2.58 cm mm-1; 2.05 g; 2.03 g; 3.84 g; 1.46; 1.15 and 246.97 cm². The H. heptaphyllus species is nutritionally demanding, positively responding to the high dose of CRF. Seedlings of H. heptaphyllus produced in tubes of 180 cm³ with 7.0 g L-1 of CRF present adequate growth.

PRODUCTION OF Colubrina glandulosa SEEDLINGS WITH DIFFERENT MYCORRHIZAL INOCULA

Colubrina glandulosa has potential for reforestation of disturbed areas. Seedlings inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be produced with biosolids from Sewage Treatment Plants. This study aimed to evaluate the response of Colubrina glandulosa seedlings to isolated or mixed inoculation of different AMF species on a biosolid-based substrate under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 32 replicates (seedlings)/treatment and five treatments: (1) control or absence of inoculation (CT); (2) inoculation with Dentiscutata heterogama (DH); (3) inoculation with Gigaspora margarita (GM); (4) inoculation with Rhizophagus clarus (RC); (5) inoculation with the mixture of the three AMF species (MT). We evaluated height and collar diameter of the seedlings at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 140 days after the experiment installation. We evaluated shoot dry biomass (SDM), root dry biomass (RDM), and total dry biomass; SDM / RDM ratio; Dickson Quality Index; relative increments in height, collar diameter, and shoot biomass; nutrient content (N, P, K) in the shoots and roots; efficiency of absorption and utilization of nutrients; rate of root mycorrhizal colonization, at 140 days. In general, the highest values of growth and nutrition variables occurred in the MT treatment, which was recommended, in comparison with CT, DH, GM, and RC. Colonization rates were low (≤ 20 %), regardless of the mycorrhizal inoculum, due to the high levels of phosphorus in the biosolid.

Innovative substrates for sugarcane seedling production: Sewage sludges and rice husk ash in a waste-to-product strategy

Recent advances in the sucroenergy production chain include a new way of planting sugarcane based on a method of seedling propagation which requires a significant amount of substrate. Since the sucroenergy sector has been noted as having cleaner energy production, it is imperative that sustainable substrates suitable for the production of sugarcane seedlings be developed. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop innovative substrates with solar-dried sewage sludges and rice husk ash to compose substrates for sugarcane seedling production. Batches of sewage sludges were collected in open drying beds from three different municipal wastewater treatment plants from the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: from Passo Fundo city (treated by anaerobic digestion), from Rio Grande city (aerobic digestion) and from Santa Maria city (aerobic digestion). Rice husk ash was obtained from a rice processing industry in the Pelotas industrial region in southern Brazil. The content of trace elements and the pathogenicity of pure sewage sludge (SS) were analyzed. The nutrient content of SS and rice husk ash (RHA) was determined. Twelve substrates with differing ratios of SS, RHA, and vermiculite were formulated to evaluate the subsequent development of sugarcane seedlings. Chemical and physical attributes were determined in all substrates and compared to a commercial substrate. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using mini-setts of sugarcane of the RB867515 genotype. Fifteen days after planting the seedlings were evaluated for stalk diameter, shoot height, shoot dry weight and root, and the Dickson quality index was determined. Sewage sludge showed low levels of heavy metals and pathogenic organisms and high contents of nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients such as Zn and Cu, showing promising suitability as a substrate component for seedling production. In general, substrates of all tested proportions of SS and RHA promoted greater shoot and root dry weight and a superior Dickson Quality Index than the commercial substrate used as reference, except for the formulation containing 87.5 % SS. The viability of combining sludges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and rice husk ash into one product was confirmed using a set of biometric attributes and nutrient tissue contents obtained from the production of sugarcane seedlings.

‘Dedo-de-moça’ pepper seedlings were produced using basic slag in alternative substrate

Studies related to the use of steel mill slag have become essential, because of the possibility of its use as a component of substrates in the production of seedlings and because this use minimizes the risk of environmental contamination, resulting from inadequate disposal. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of steel slag in substrates composed of soil with tanned bovine manure and sand, on the growth variables and the quality of “Dedo-de-moça” pepper (Capsicum baccatum L.) seedlings. A randomized block design was used with five slag concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%) and four repetitions. Evaluations occurred at 55 days after sowing, consisting of counting the number of leaves, measuring plant height and collar diameter, quantifying the dry mass of leaves and roots and determining the Dickson Quality Index. Regression models were fitted (P &lt; 0.05) to treatments with increasing levels of steel slag. The addition around 10% of slag to the substrate provided the highest values of growth variables, in seedlings of Dedo-de-moça pepper.

O alumínio melhora o crescimento e a qualidade de mudas clonais de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis, Aquifoliaceae)

Neste estudo, foram avaliadas doses de alumínio (Al3+) no substrato de enraizamento, quanto ao crescimento, nutrição e qualidade de mudas clonais de erva-mate. Foram utilizados diferentes níveis de Al3+ incorporados ao substrato na forma de sulfato de alumínio (0,00; 2,25; 4,50; 9,00 e 18,00 g dm-³). Aos 90, 150, 215 e 300 dias após a estaquia (DAE), foram avaliados atributos morfológicos e índice SPAD das mudas. Aos 90 e 300 DAE, avaliou-se a consistência do torrão, peso de matéria fresca e seca de raízes, caule e folhas. Com base nesses atributos, calculou-se o Índice de Qualidade de Dickson (IQD), e com as folhas determinou-se a área foliar e os teores de macro e micronutrientes e Al. O crescimento das mudas foi influenciado pelo fornecimento de Al3+ e pelo tempo. Os valores máximos de diâmetro do colo, altura, número de folhas, matéria seca de folhas e área foliar aos 300 DAE foram observados na dose 9,00 g dm-³ de sulfato de alumínio (SA). O teor foliar de Al foi maior na dose 9,00 g dm-3 de SA, e os teores de Ca e K foram reduzidos em função da aplicação das doses de SA. A qualidade (IQD) foi afetada positivamente pelo fornecimento de Al3+, aumentando até a dose 9,00 g dm-³ de SA. Foi possível concluir que a dose de 9,00 g dm-³ de sulfato de alumínio no substrato proporcionou os melhores resultados na produção de mudas clonais de erva-mate.

Effects of root undercutting, fertilization and thinning on seedling growth and quality of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) seedlings

In this study, the effects of root undercutting, fertilization and thinning applications on the morphological characteristics of oriental beech seedlings grown in Karadağ Forest Nursery were investigated. In 2+0 years old seedlings, the effects of treatments including by making root undercutting and thinning (A) and by giving 50 g of ammonium nitrate fertilizer per m2 addition to thinning (B) in July were examined. Moreover, quality classes of seedlings were determined on the basis of treatments. According to the result of this study, significant differences were found between the morphological characteristics of the seedlings depending on the treatments. It was determined that while there is a statistical significance in terms of seedling length, sturdiness quotient, the number of side branches, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, shoot dry weight/root dry weight, root percentage, Dickson quality index, there is no significance in terms of root collar diameter, fresh seedling weight, dry seedling weight in 2+0 years old seedlings. According to Turkish Standards Institute's deciduous seedling standard (TS 5624/21.03.1988) prepared in March 1988, 48.8% of A treatment and 76.7% of B treatment and 78.9% of the control group were found to be Class I. According to Dickson quality index, the quality index values of seedlings in 2+0 A, 2+0 B and control were determined as and 1.05, 0.74 and 0.68 respectively. In determination of Dickson quality index value, using of important parameters used for determination of seedling quality is important in terms of obtaining more accurate results.

Boron fertilization in Paricá seedlings mitigates negative effects of water deficit

Boron (B) supply has been studied as an alternative to alleviate environmental stress conditions in forest essences due to the functions that B plays within the plant cell in the metabolism of compounds and polysaccharides connection . Thus, it was postulated the hypothesis that B may provide greater resistance from Paricá ( Schizolobium parahyba ) to water deficit. The aim was to evaluate growth parameters, photosynthetic rate, nutritional efficiencies, and B content of young Schizolobium parahyba plants as a function of the factors B levels and water deficit. Experiment was a completely randomized factorial, with two B concentrations (25 and 250 μmol L -1 , simulating sufficient and high B conditions, respectively) and two water conditions (deficit and no deficit). Factors analyzed influenced growth, accumulation, photosynthetic and nutritional efficiency variables. There was an increase in the growth of stem, root and in the Dickson quality index of plants of Paricá with high concentration of B, when they were under water deficit. Concentration and accumulation of B was higher in plants under water deficit with high concentration of B, as well as the efficiency of absorption and translocation, indicating that high B nutrition attenuates the effect of water deficit in young plants in Paricá.

Substrato a base de bagana de carnaúba na propagação vegetativa de Ocimum basilicum

O manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) é um subarbusto nativo da Ásia Tropical e introduzido no Brasil pela colônia italiana, é uma planta de cultivo anual, de uso culinário em diversas regiões do mundo. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a influência da bagana de carnaúba (Copernicia prunifera) como substrato na propagação vegetativa do manjericão. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal do Maranhão em Chapadinha-MA. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com 6 tratamentos do substrato bagana de carnaúba (BC) nas seguintes proporções: 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% e 100% acrescido de solo, com 4 repetições, 2 estacas por tubete totalizando 48 estacas. Ao atingirem 45 dias as mudas foram avaliadas em laboratório quanto às seguintes características: Altura da planta, número de folhas, número de brotos, diâmetro do caule, comprimento e volume radicular, área foliar, massa fresca da parte aérea e do sistema radicular, massa seca da parte aérea e do sistema radicular e índice da qualidade de Dickson. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e explorados pela regressão por meio do software Infostat®. A utilização do substrato bagana de carnaúba teve efeito significativo para as variáveis em estudo, exceto para o número de brotos e altura da planta. As proporções de bagana de carnaúba que proporcionaram maior desenvolvimento das mudas foram as de 40% a 80% de BC acrescido de solo.

Moinha de carvão e bioestimulante na formação de mudas de galphimia brasiliensis

A triális (Galphimia brasiliensis) é uma planta originária da América do Sul, utilizada em paisagismo. Devido seu crescimento lento, a adoção de tecnologias, como a adição de moinha de carvão ao substrato e a aplicação de estimulantes vegetais, pode auxiliar no crescimento e na qualidade das mudas formadas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da adição de moinha de carvão e de bioestimulante na formação e qualidade de mudas. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5x2, testando proporções (0%; 7,5%; 15%; 22,5% e 30%) de moinha de carvão adicionadas a um substrato comercial, na presença (25 mL L-1) ou ausência de bioestimulante vegetal, com quatro repetições. Foram analisados os parâmetros: altura, comprimento de raiz, área foliar, diâmetro de colo e, massa seca de raiz, parte aérea e total. Com base nesses parâmetros foi avaliada a qualidade das mudas, pelas relações: altura/diâmetro (RHD), parte aérea/raiz (RPAR), altura/parte aérea (RHPA) e o Índice de qualidade de Dickson (IQD). O uso combinado de moinha de carvão e bioestimulante influenciou apenas a produção de massa seca de raiz das plantas de G. brasiliensis. A adição de bioestimulante não influenciou na formação e na qualidade das mudas de G. brasiliensis. A moinha de carvão adicionada ao substrato em proporções variando de 12,2 a 13,4% proporcionaram incremento na altura das mudas, na massa seca de raiz e total. Proporções crescentes após 18,6% de moinha de carvão, no intervalo testado, teve um acréscimo na relação parte aérea e raiz e no índice de qualidade de Dickson.

Micorrizas y fertilización: efecto en la producción de Pinus engelmannii Carr. en vivero

Introduction: In the nursery, controlled-release fertilization and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi promote the quality of plant material reproduced in containers. Objective: To evaluate the effect of two commercial mycorrhizal inoculants and one controlled-release fertilizer on the development of Pinus engelmannii Carr. in nursery. Materials and methods: Two commercial inoculants (fungi native to Mexico [1 mL·plant-1 with 1.05 x 107 spores·mL-1] and exotics [1.5 mL·plant-1 with 6.5 x 106 spores·mL-1]), two doses of a controlled-release fertilizer (11-28-11 NPK [3 and 6 g·L-1]) and a control were evaluated; in total, nine treatments were used. The variables analyzed were: survival, stem height, root collar diameter, wet and dry biomass, ratio of dry biomass of the aerial part/dry biomass of the root part, lignification index, Dickson’s quality index and mycorrhizal colonization. Results and discussion: Survival (80 to 96 %) was similar between treatments. Eight months after sowing, seedlings showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in morphological variables; combined treatments gave better results. Plants with commercial inoculum of native fungi (1 mL·plant-1 [Amanita rubescens Pers., Amanita sp., Lactarius indigo [Schwein] Fr., Ramaria sp. and Boletus sp.]) and fertilization of 3 g·L-1 had higher Dickson quality index. It was observed that the higher the fertilization dose, the lower the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization. Conclusion: The combination of ectomycorrhizal inoculum of native fungi and low-dose fertilization showed that both components are complementary in the plant development of P. engelmannii.

Nursery and field growths of Enterolobium contortisiliquum seedlings produced in different containers and fertilizer doses

Studies on the early development of forest species usually only analyze their nursery growth, not taking the post planting into account. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the survival and growth under nursery and field conditions of Enterolobium contortisiliquum seedlings produced with different container volumes and controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) doses. The treatments were composed of two containers volumes (110 and 180 cm3) with five CRF doses (0; 3; 5; 7; and 9 g L-1). At the nursery, at 150 days after sowing, the following attributes were evaluated: height (H); stem diameter (SD); shoot (SDM), root (RDM) and total dry matter (TDM); and Dickson quality index (DQI). At 360 days after the field planting, the survival, H and SD were measured. It was found interaction between factors for SD and significant effects of container volume for SDM, RDM, TDM and DQI. The maximum technical efficiency dose (MTED) of CRF in the nursery ranged from 6.50 to 9.74 g L-1. This allowed recommending the CRF dose for the fast seedling outplanting. The negative effects from base fertilization absence were identified on the seedlings field survival, yet there was no influence of the tested treatments on their growth 360 days after planting. For producing Enterolobium contortisiliquum seedlings, it is recommended using 110 cm3 containers with a CRF dose of 3 g L-1, which provides suitable performance on the outplanting and after it. However, doses above 7 g L-1 can reduce the seedlings nursery time in about six months after sowing.

Industrial residues as substrate components for the production of Ilex paraguariensis seedlings

Ilex paraguariensis is an important forest species in Brazil. Recently, the development of new products has increased seedlings demand and consequently, the interest in new products to use as substrates like residues from industries. We aimed to evaluate the viability of using industrial residues as substrates to produce yerba mate seedlings. We formulated thirteen substrates with coconut fiber, carbonized and decomposed yerba mate industrial residues in different ratios, which were compared to two commercial substrates, in a completely randomized design. The stratified seeds were placed in 110 cm³ tubes filled with the substrates. Plants were kept in a greenhouse for 135 days, shade house (70%) for 30 days, and rustification area in full sunlight for 15 days, under fertigation after 30 days of sowing. We evaluated montlhy the survival, height, and stem diameter, and at the end of the production period, we evaluated shoot and root dry mass. From the data obtained, we calculated the total dry mass and ‘Dickson quality index’. The substrates formulated with coconut fiber and decomposed yerba mate industrial residue can be used to produce yerba mate seedlings, but it depends on the ratio of the substrate components. Substrates with higher total porosity and microporosity provided seedlings with biometric characteristics similar to those produced in commercial substrates. The carbonized yerba mate residue reduced seedling growth when used in a percentage equal to or higher than 50% in the substrate.