Effect of substrate on ornamental bromeliads seedling production

Abstract

Experiments were conducted with the species Aechmea distichantha and Vriesea hieroglyphica aiming to improve the management of native bromeliad production. Seedlings of V. hieroglyphica and A. distichantha were planted on substrates sphagnum, forest litter, phenolic foam flakes and carbonized rice husk (BRH), Pinus bark (PB) and Eucalyptus bark (EB) with vermiculite in proportions of 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3). The experimental design was a randomized block consisting of 4 replications with 12 plants per plot, totaling the 12 treatments. Evaluations were performed after 270 for Vriesea hieroglyphica and 125 days for Aechmea distichantha of experimentation and the variables diameter and height of seedlings, number of leaves and dry matter mass of shoot system were evaluated. Our results showed that V. hieroglyphica and A. distichantha seedlings respond different in relation to substrate composition. Vermiculite is not recommended for V. hieroglyphica and A. distichantha seedlings cultivation. Sphagnum and forest litter are the best substrate media for V. hieroglyphica and A. distichantha seedlings growth after the germination process.