Growth of seedlings in banana plant cv. Prata Catarina micropropagated in organic substrates

Abstract

In commercial bananas there is an increasing increase for seedlings of high genetic quality and free of pathogens; thus, the use of micropropagation has been increasingly encouraged for the production of seedlings. However, the success of establishing these seedlings in the environment depends on several factors, in which, the substrate has a relevant role. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of micropropagated banana seedlings under the influence of different formulations of substrates based on soil, bovine manure and vegetable ash for organic production system. The experiment was carried out on a certified rural property under an organic production system in the municipality of Palmácia (CE). The experimental design used was completely randomized, with four replications. The substrates were used in a ratio of 2:1, always two parts of soil for one of substrate, which was used: soil (ravine soil), organic compost (bovine manure + vegetal remains), bovine manure and vegetable ash (from sugar cane mill). The test was conducted in full sun and without the aid of irrigation, as the experiment coincided with the rainy season in the region. At 68 days after planting (DAP), growth analyzes were carried out: plant height, diameter of the pseudostem, number of leaves, length of roots, fresh and dry mass of aerial part and roots. The best substrates for the growth of micropropagated banana seedlings cv. Prata Catarina were mixtures of soil + organic compost and soil + manure.