Different substrates and protected environments for the initial development of Richeria grandis Vahl seedlings

Abstract

Due to the copious anthropization in Gallery Forests and the obligation to restore these spaces, together with the scarcity of information regarding a methodology for seedling emergence and production in a nursery, the objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of different substrates and levels of shading on seedling emergence and quality of the species Richeria grandis Vahl. The fruits, collected in 18 matrix trees in Gallery Forests, were benefited; the seeds were depulped and sown on the same day of collection. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where three substrate compositions were used: S1 – 70% of vermiculite and 30% carbonized rice husk; S2 – 50% of bioplant®, 35% of vermiculite and 15% carbonized rice husk; S3 – 70% of subsoil land and 30% of tanned bovine manure. The substrates were placed in tubes with a capacity of 180 cm³ and maintained under three shading levels: 0%, 30% and 50%. The experimental design was completely randomized in a subdivided block design. All the evaluated characteristics were inferior in the 0% shading. Emergence, chlorophyll content, height and diameter of the root collar were greater under 30% and 50% shading levels, as well as in substrates S1 and S2. The substrate that most positively influenced R. grandis seedling quality was the S2. Thus, R. grandis is a species that needs shade in the early stage of its development.