Qualidade de mudas de olerícolas baseada em parâmetros de crescimento e influência de biochar

Abstract

In the system of production of vegetable, the quality of seedlings is fundamental, influenced among other factors by the substrate. With that, the objective was to evaluate the quality of seedlings when the substrate is increased with biochar. In addition, to verify the relationship between the Dickson Quality Index and growth variables, to predict the quality of the seedlings without the need for destruction. Seedlings of arugula, beet and eggplant were produced in polystyrene trays, in a greenhouse. Experimental design and treatments were distinct for each species. The quality of the seedlings was verified by the relationships between height and diameter, height and dry mass of shoot, dry shoot mass and root dry mass, and Dickson quality index. The influence of the substrates on the quality of the seedlings was verified with analysis of variance and, when significant, with subsequent statistical test indicated for each experimental design. To verify the correlation between the Dickson Quality Index and growth parameters, linear correlation analysis was applied. The use of biochar in the analyzed design did not influence the quality of arugula, beet and eggplant seedlings. The correlation between the Dickson Quality Index was strong and positive for leaf number and diameter in the arugula, beet and eggplant seedlings. In the experimental design tested the biochar is not efficient. The growth parameters can be used to determine the quality of beet, arugula and eggplant seedlings.