Initial growth of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg. seedlings on substrates with different compositions and water retention capacities

Abstract

 Information on germination, seedling development, and substrates and water requirements of native Savannah species are scarce, for propagation and plantation establishments. Based on this, we evaluated the initial growth of Campomanesia adamantium seedlings sown into tubes containing substrates with different compositions and water retention capacities, including red latosoil; red latosoil and Bioplant^® (1:1); red latosoil, sand, and semidecomposed poultry manure (1:1:0.5); red latosoil and sand (1:1); and red latosoil, sand, and semidecomposed poultry manure (1:2:0.5). The tubes were irrigated three times per week to 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of their water retention capacities. The morphological characteristics of the seedlings and their quality indexes were analyzed 52, 83, 114, and 145 days after sowing. We tested all possible combinations of substrates and percentages of water holding capacities, with four replicates (12 tubes). The substrates of red latosoil plus sand and red latosoil plus Bioplant^® were found to be most suitable for the growth and development of C. adamantium seedlings at water retention capacities between 75% and 100%. Growing conditions with water retention capacities of 25% and 50% should not be used to produce seedlings of C. adamantium.