Efficiency of nutrient uptake in guava seedlings Paluma and Século XXI, cultivated in nutrient solution

Abstract

The present study was carried out in order to evaluate the relative efficiency of macro and micronutrients uptake in seedlings of guava cultivated in  nutrient solution. Seedlings of two guava cultivars, Paluma and Século XXI, obtained by vegetative propagation were used. Plant material from each
cultivar was collected at each 15 days internal, between 30 and 120 days after transplanting, making up seven harvests, with three repetitions. In each harvest, plants were divided in roots, stems and leaves to quantify dry matter and nutrient levels, aiming to evaluate the rates of relative growth,
nutrient relative absorption and nutrient organic net accumulation. The rates of net nutrient absorption for the guavas had similar tendencies of the relative plant growth. The largest absorption rate for macro and micronutrients was observed in the seedlings of the Paluma cultivar, during the period of 75-90 days, and in the século XXI cultivar, in the period of 45-60 days after transplanting. The macronutrients absorbed by the guava seedlings were preferentially accumulated in the aerial parts, such as leaves and stems, while the micronutrients accumulated in different parts according to plant age.