PRODUCTION OF GRAVIOLA SEEDLINGS IN DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF SUBSTRATES AND CONTAINERS

Abstract

The socio-economic importance of growing graviola in Brazil has increased in recent years due to the demand for tropical fruit, both for fresh consumption and to supply the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic substrates and alternative containers on the production of graviola (Anonna muricata L.) seedlings.The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks, with spacing between blocks of 0.50 m and between containers of 0.15 m, in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with two types of containers (carton packaging - milk cartons - 7x15 cm and polyethylene plastic bag - 15x25 cm - with a capacity of 1.335 L) and 4 organic substrates (soil + sand (1: 1); soil + sand + cattle manure (1:1:1); soil + sand + poultry litter (1:1:1); soil + sand + swine manure (1:1:1) and 1 commercial compost (100%), with 5 repetitions. The parameters of plant height (AT), stem diameter (DC), number of leaves (NF) and leaf area (AF) were assessed at 75 and 90 days, until 90 days had elapsed (DAE), after which root length (CR), root volume (VR), aerial part dry mass (MSPA), root dry mass (MSR) and total dry mass (MST) were assessed. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and the means were compared using the Scott-knott test at 5% probability. The means of the treatments for the evaluations of AT, DC and NF of the graviolas were compared using the 5% T-test. The use of substrates composed of soil + sand + poultry litter or soil + sand + cattle manure in containers with polyethylene bags are the most recommended for the production of soursop seedlings.