Initial development of licuri (Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc.) –Arecaceae seedlings under different substrates and luminosity levels

Abstract

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C TLicuri is a palm tree typical of the Brazilian Northeast semi-arid region and of great socioeconomic importance for communities in the region. Despite its importance, few works were developed addressing its propagation and conservation. Studies about luminosity levels and different substrates may result in different growth responses, optimizing the production of seedlings. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the initial growth and compare the leaf anatomy of licuri seedlings subjected to different substrates and light levels. Licuri seedlings were conditioned in full sun and 50% shading, and the substrates sand, vegetal soil, sand mixed with organic compound and vegetal soil mixed with organic compound. After 90 days of cultivation, was evaluating growth and foliar anatomy. The shoot height, total leaf area, number of leaves, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight and root dry weight showed higher values in the seedlings grown in 50% shading. In full sun, there was an increase only for stem diameter. The dry weight of the root was significantly greater in sand or vegetal soil. For the total leaf area, the same substrates, however, with the presence of the organic compound, presented higher values. Seedlings grown under full sun provided greater thicknesses of adaxial epidermis and adaxial hypodermis. The abaxial epidermis, abaxial hypodermis and mesophyll presented greater thicknesses, regardless of the luminosity tested, in the substrates that contained vegetal soil, with or without the presence of organic compound. The use of sand or vegetable soil and the shaded environment provide better conditions for the production of licuri seedlings. Foliar anatomical analysis is a good indicator to verify the quality of licuri seedlings when grown under different environmental conditions.