Production of eggplant from seedlings produced in different environments, containers and substrates

Abstract

The seedling quality affects the plant performance in the field and proper techniques can increase the productivity of vegetables. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of eggplant seedlings, cultivar Embu, under protected environments, containers and substrates, and its development in the field at the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, in Aquidauana, Brazil. For seedlings production, each environment was considered an experiment, which was carried out in a completely randomized design, in split-plot scheme (containers x substrates), with eight replications. Subsequently we realized joint analysis of the experiments to compare the environments. In the field, the design was in randomized blocks using four replications. The seedlings were grown in the protected environments: greenhouse covered with polyethylene film, light diffuser, 150 micron, and nursery monofilament screen with 50% of shading (Sombrite ® ). Inside environments, polystyrene trays with 72 cells and 128 cells were tested. The containers were filled with six substrates, from the combination of cattle manure and cassava stems. In the field were distributed 24 treatments generated from combinations of three factors. In both environments, the best seedlings are formed in trays with 72 cells. For two trays the best seedlings are formed in the greenhouse. In greenhouse, the substrate with 80% cattle manure and 20% of cassava stems promoted better growth of seedlings. In the screened, beyond this substrate, seedlings produced in the substrate with 100% manure showed higher vigor. For all substrates, the best seedlings are formed in tray with 72 cells inside the greenhouse. In the field the combination, "greenhouse + 72 cell tray + 80% manure and 20% cassava stems" was where the plants had better growth and productivity.

Quality of Cucumber Seedlings Grown in Different Containers

“…The efficiency of larger containers in the production of high quality seedlings has been reported for other vegetable species, such as lettuce (RESENDE et al, 2003), cucumber (COSTA et al, 2009;LUQUI et al, 2015), eggplant (COSTA et al, 2013), beet (ECHER et al, 2007 and tomato (RODRIGUES et al, 2010).…”

“…Many studies with different species have been carried out with the objective of producing high quality seedlings (RESENDE et al, 2003;ECHER et al, 2007;RODRIGUES et al, 2010;COSTA et al, 2009;20012;, and the results have shown that larger containers have allowed the seedlings to grow and develop better. Costa et al (2013) recommended 72-cells trays for the production of better quality eggplant seedlings (Solanum melongena -Solanaceae). The tray of 72-cells was also better container for the production of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum -Solanaceae) (RODRIGUES et al, 2010).…”

Shade nets and substrates in seedling production of Annona squamosa L. in the Roraima Cerrado

“…The sand used had medium grain size and was locally bought, and the manures were acquired from breeders from the municipality of Boa Vista. To all substrates, 2.0 kg of single superphosphate, 1.0 kg of potassium chloride, and 1.5 kg of dolomitic lime were added per m 3 of substrate, according to the methodology proposed by Costa et al (2013). The soil and substrate chemical characteristics are presented in Table 1.…”

Agricultural practices, biology and quality of eggplant cultivated in Central Europe. A review

“…Seedling stage is a critical consideration in the vegetable production chain, and seedling quality and vigour are fundamental requisites for future plant performance in the field. Commercially produced eggplant seedlings should be genetically and morphologically uniform, visually attractive and healthy, with high physiological potential and resistance to stressful storage, transport and transplanting conditions (Costa et al 2013). However, large-scale seedling production requires short-term storage to maintain the quality needed for supply continuity.…”