Growth and efficiency of water use of papaya cultivars (Carica papaya L.) under doses of bovine biofertilizer in hydroponics cultivation

Abstract

Among the fruit plants cultivated in Brazil, papaya (Carica papaya L.) stands out by having high productivity of fruit quality. The seedling production system of this culture needs a technology that promotes the production of plants with high physiological and sanitary quality. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the growth, dry matter accumulation and the efficiency of water use of papaya cultivars under doses of bovine biofertilizer in hydroponic culture. We used a completely randomized design with eight treatments in a factorial scheme 4 x 2, with six replications, and a useful plant per repetition totalizing 48 useful plants.

Heterogeneity in the Chemical Composition of Biofertilizers, Potential Agronomic Use, and Heavy Metal Contents of Different Agro-Industrial Wastes

“…In addition to increasing crop yields, the use of biofertilizers can raise the levels of organic carbon and nutrients, as well as enrich the soil microbiota over time when compared with the use of conventional fertilizers [7]. Different biomasses, including residues from agriculture [8], industry [9], cattle raising [10,11], agroindustry [12,13], and domestic use [14], have been used in the preparation of biofertilizers. The diversity of raw materials is not only an environmentally sustainable solution to the management of different residues, but it also represents an excellent opportunity to recycle nutrients that can enrich the soils [15], especially those of tropical regions that present low fertility.…”

Growth and gas exchanges of papaya tree seedlings grown on alternative substrates

“…According to Cavalcante et al (2010), it is occurring an increase in areas planted with papaya tree in northeastern Brazil, being important the use of seedlings with high quality in the implementation of the orchard, especially from the most exploited cultivars in the region, as the Sunrise Solo and the hybrid Tainung-01, which are suitable to the international and domestic markets, respectively (Manica, 2006;Mesquita et al, 2012;Sá et al, 2013;Paiva et al, 2015).…”

“…Thus, the success of the agricultural production system depends, among other attributes, on the high-quality biological material, as well as on the achievement of seeds or seedlings to guarantee production and quality of fruits with economic viability. Constant studies are required, providing viable and accessible technologies to producers, especially in regions such as the northeast, where technology is a limiting factor to the expansion and maintenance of orchards in the region (Leitão et al, 2009;Sá et al, 2015;Paiva et al, 2015).…”

“…Although some studies report the efficiency of some agricultural inputs for the production of seedlings, one can find a plethora of agricultural inputs available on farms, which have potential for use and reuse in the production of substrates for production of seedlings; these require to be tested, isolated and in mixtures, in order to obtain the concentrations and types of inputs that best suit to each species (Melo et al, 2007;Leitão et al, 2009;Cavalcante et al, 2010;Costa et al, 2012;Mesquita et al, 2012;Araújo et al, 2013). It should be taken into account that the conditions of water and nutrient availability provided by the substrate can compromise the physiological activity and growth of the papaya tree seedlings (Melo et al, 2007;Mesquita et al, 2012;Paiva et al, 2015).…”