Influence of the substrate on the growth of cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum.) seedlings - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v31i4.3092

Abstract

The cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum) stands out as an important recently domesticated Amazon fruit. Although the substrate is a prime factor for plantlet development, there are few recommendations for cupuassu plantlet production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different substrates on cupuassu germination and seedling growth. Seven substrates were tested in greenhouse conditions: vegetable soil + sand (1:1), vegetable soil, bioplant^®, bioclone^®, plugmix^®, sand and vermiculite. The following germination and seedling traits were evaluated: germination speed index, length and dry mass of roots and aerial parts; using a completely randomized design, with seven treatments and four replications of fifteen seeds. The individual averages were compared by the Scott-Knott test and the substrate recommendation was done using canonical variables. Bioclone^® was the substrate that most positively influenced the seedlings development.