Alternative substrates for production of <i>Heliconia psittacorum</i> L. seedlings under shade and open field conditions

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different substrates and environmental conditions on seedling production of heliconia (Heliconia psittacorum L.) in Northeastern Brazil. A completely randomized blocks design with treatments distributed in a factorial arrangement (6 x 2) referring to substrate compositions and environmental condition to produce seedlings (open field and net-house) was used, with four replications. The following substrates were tested: (i) soil + sand + bovine manure (SSB); (ii) soil + sand + goat manure (SSG); (iii) decomposed buriti stem (Mauritia vinifera, Mart.) (DBS); (iv) Carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) industry residual + carbonized rice husks (CRR); (v) semidecomposed residual of carnauba industry (RCI) and (vi) soil. Both substrate and environmental conditions affect seedling formation of heliconia. Decomposed buriti stem and semi-decomposed residual of carnauba industry could be used as substrate for high quality heliconia seedlings. Nethouse is necessary for Heliconia seedlings production.

Key words: Heliconia psittacorum L., tropical flower, growing media, industry waste, net-house