Tamanho da semente e substratos na germinação e crescimento inicial de mudas de cagaiteira

Abstract

The culture of cagaita presents perspectives of expansion in the open pasture and Brazilian northeast, this culture is usually spread by seeds. This work aimed at evaluating the characteristics of germination of different sizes of seeds on three types of substrates. The experimental was designed in blocks at random outlined in subparcels with four replications, in a factorial system of two seed sizes, big and small, on three types of substrates (plugmix, sand; clay and manure; sand and clay). The results showed that regardless of the seed size there were not significant differences for germination percentage. When analyzed characteristic of germination speed index, height and leaf number, significant superiority was observed for the plants from big seeds. Significant differences for characteristics of height and leaf number were also observed indicating superiority of sand and clay substratum. We can conclude that independently of the substratum type, percentages of cagaita seed germination are over 90%, but plantlets initial growth may be damaged if the nurseryman does not use a balanced and appropriate substratum to the specie.