Nitrogen fertilizers on the <i>ex vitro<i> initial growth of banana cultivars

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate nitrogen fertilizer on ex vitro initial growth of banana cvs. Prata-Anã and Nanicão. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse covered with 50% black mesh and micro sprinkler irrigation system, in the Division of Fruit Crops, Department of Plant Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV). The cvs. Prata-Anã and Nanicão were subjected to four applications of 250 mL of potassium nitrate (0, 5.0, 10, 15.0 and 20.0 g L^-1) and urea (5.0 g L^-1). The following parameters were evaluated: height of shoots (cm), stem diameter (cm), number of leaves, leaf area (cm²), root length (cm), root volume (cm³), dry matter of shoots (g), dry weight of root (g), the total dry mass (g) and SPAD index. Seedlings of banana cv. Nanicão showed higher growth than cv. Prata-Anã. Potassium nitrate was detrimental to the growth of the roots of banana cultivars studied, however, the volume of roots was favored. Urea is more efficient than potassium nitrate in the production of banana seedlings of cvs. Prata-Anã and Nanicão, at 45 days of acclimatization under the conditions studied.