Palm tree Veitchia merrillii on substrates of decomposed babassu stem and carbonized rice straw

Abstract

The Veitchia merrillii palm (Becc) H. E. Moore popularly known as manila palm, is a species cultivated in Brazil and has been developing landscape potential, due to its intrinsic characteristics. An option for producing seedlings with quality and cost reduction is the use of alternative substrates. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the development in the formation of palm seedlings in different proportions of substrates based on decomposed babassu stem (CDB) and carbonized rice straw (PAC). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in the municipality of Chapadinha-MA. A completely randomized design was adopted, with treatments related to the different substrate formulations: 1- 0% CDB + 100% PAC; 2- 20% CDB + 80% PAC; 3- 40% CDB + 60% PAC; 4- 60% CBD + 40% PAC; 5- 80% CDB + 20% PAC and 6- 100% CDB + 0% PAC. Four replications with two seedlings were adopted, totaling 48 plots. The following variables were evaluated: root length (CR), root volume (VR), stem diameter (DC), plant height (AP), number of leaves (NF), leaf area (AF), fresh mass of the aerial part (MFPA), shoot dry mass (MSPA), root fresh mass (MFR), root dry mass (MSR), plant height and stem diameter ratio (AP/DC), density (DEN), total fresh mass (MFT) and total dry mass (MST). It is concluded that the proportion of 20% CDB + 80% PAC, ensure positive efficiency for the good development of the palm, being, therefore, a viable alternative for the production of seedlings.