Formation of castor bean seedlings in different containers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of castor bean seedlings in containers with different volumes. The work was carried out in  forest nursery in a completely randomized experimental block design with four replications, using the castor bean variety BRS Energy. Treatments consisted of five containers: 128 cells isopropylene tray with 34.6 cm³ capacity; tubes with a capacity of 50, 120 and 180 cm³ and plastic bag of 500 cm³. 14 to 36 days after sowing (DAS), the plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and internodes, height of the first internodes, fresh and dry matter from the shoot and root were evaluated, as well as the morphological parameters: stem height/diameter ratio, shoot/root dry matter ratio and Dickson’s quality index,. The castor bean seedlings grown in plastic bags had a better development, having to be lead in such containers, preferably until 30 DAS. The use of plastic bag with capacity of 500 cm³ is a good alternative for the production of castor bean seedlings