Effect of Irrigation Depths on the Growth of Papaya Seedlings
Vinicius de Souza Oliveira *
Federal University of Espírito Santo – Center Noth of Espírito Santo, Highway BR-101, Km 60, District Litorâneo, CEP: 29932-540, São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Robson Prucoli Posse
Federal Institute of Espírito Santo – Campus Itapina, Highway BR-259, Km 70, Countryside, Post Office Box 256, CEP: 29709-910, Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Ana Paula Braido Pinheiro
Federal University of Espírito Santo – Center Noth of Espírito Santo, Highway BR-101, Km 60, District Litorâneo, CEP: 29932-540, São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Geilson Silva Costa
Federal Institute of Espírito Santo – Campus Itapina, Highway BR-259, Km 70, Countryside, Post Office Box 256, CEP: 29709-910, Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Renan Garcia Malikouski
Federal University of Espírito Santo – Center Noth of Espírito Santo, Highway BR-101, Km 60, District Litorâneo, CEP: 29932-540, São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Andreia Lopes de Morais
Federal University of Espírito Santo – Center Noth of Espírito Santo, Highway BR-101, Km 60, District Litorâneo, CEP: 29932-540, São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Edilson Romais Schmildt
Federal University of Espírito Santo – Center Noth of Espírito Santo, Highway BR-101, Km 60, District Litorâneo, CEP: 29932-540, São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Water is a limiting factor for the production of Papaya tree (Carica papaya L.) seedlings. Its lack leads to a reduction in the absorption of nutrients and its excess provides an environment for the development of pathogens, contributing to the leaching of nutrients, besides generating wastes. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of irrigation depths on the growth of seedlings of ‘Rubi INCAPER 511’ papaya. The experiment was carried out at the Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized. Six treatments were used: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm d-1 with 24 seedlings per treatment, totaling 144 in the experimental field. 60 days after sowing, the following morphological characteristics were evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, SPAD index, shoot dry mass, dry mass of the root system and Dickson quality index. The depths between 12.5 and 14 mm d-1presented higher Dickson quality index, stem diameter, plant height and leaf number, with the 12.5 mm d-1depth being recommended for economic reasons in the production of seedlings of papaya 'Rubi INCAPER 511'.
Keywords: Carica papaya L., seedling quality, nursery