Effect of different substrates on the production of mangabeira seedlings

The mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) is a native fruit species from the Brazilian Cerrado, as trees its fruit characteristics aie appreciated by consumers and present expressive production potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different substrates on production of mangabeira seedlings in plastic bags and to determine the best substrate for species propagation. The study was conducted in a greenhouse at Mato Grosso do Sul State University, in Cassilandia county, State of Mato Grosso do Sul. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with four replications and 15 seeds per plot. Five substrates were evaluated: A (washed sand + Plantmax[R] + soil, 1:1:3 v:v:v), B (carbonized rice husk + Plantmax[R] + soil, 1:1:3), C (carbonized rice husk + earthworm humus + soil, 1:1:3), D (bovine manure + Plantmax[R] + soil, 1:1:3) and E (bovine manure + soil, 2:3). The following parameters were evaluated: percentage of germination, velocity of emergence index (VEI), percentage of mortality, seedling height (cm), stem diameter (mm), root length (cm), number of leaves/plant, chlorophyll index (CCI), dry mass of shoot, root and the whole plant (g/plant). The best characteristics for healthy good quality seedlings were obtained with substrates D and E, which are recommended for the production of mangabeira seedlings in plastic bags.