EMERGENCE, INITIAL GROWTH AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC METABOLISM OF Ormosia arborea (Vell.) Harms UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHT AVAILABILITIES

The restoration of altered and degraded ecosystems will only be successful if research studies generate biological, ecological and physiological knowledge about the species of different Brazilian ecosystems. In order to produce quality seedlings, ecophysiological knowledge of the initial phase of the species is essential, since artificial shading can interfere with the growth rate and quality of the seedling. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different levels of shading on the emergence, initial growth and photosynthetic metabolism of Ormosia arborea. The experiment was carried out with 30% and 70% shade and in full sun. At 60 days after sowing, non-destructive (gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence) and destructive (growth measures) analyzes were performed. 70% shade provides greater emergence, initial growth, gas exchange and photosynthetic efficiency of PS II. Cultivation at 0% shade (full sun) is not suitable for this species.