Avaliação do crescimento inicial de duas cultivares de açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) em diferentes substratos no Baixo Amazonas

Abstract

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) is a palm tree native to the Amazon region, found mainly in floodplain areas and widely distributed in the Amazon estuary, and is one of the most promising species in both the national and international markets. In this context, the production of quality seedlings is a crucial point, as it can directly impact productivity. Among the factors that influence the quality and development of seedlings, the substrate plays a significant role in germination and plant development. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the initial growth of two açaí cultivars in different types of substrates. The experiment was developed in the Greenhouse II of the Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará (CJUR/UFOPA). It was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD), with a 2x4 factorial scheme, with the factors being 2 cultivars (Chumbinho and BRS Pará) and types of substrates, totaling 8 treatments, with 5 replicates each, and 40 experimental units in all. Where: T1: Soil 1 + Cultivar 1; T2: Soil 1 + 20% cattle manure + Cultivar 1; T3: Soil 2 + Cultivar 1; T4: Soil 2 + 20% cattle manure + Cultivar 1; T5: Soil 1 + Cultivar 2; T6: Soil 1 + 20% cattle manure + Cultivar 2; T7: Soil 2 + Cultivar 2; T8: Soil 2 + 20% cattle manure + Cultivar 2. Initial growth monitoring occurred for 187 days after transplanting, and 6 measurements were taken during this period. The variables evaluated monthly were: number of leaves (NP), plant height (AP) and collar diameter (DC). At the end of the experiment, the variables of fresh and dry mass of the aerial part, fresh and dry mass of the root, root volume and the Dickson Quality Index (DQI) were measured using destructive methodology. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and the means compared by the Scott-Knott test, at 5% probability, using the SISVAR software. Based on the results obtained, for both cultivars evaluated, the substrate composed of soil 2 with 20% cattle manure corresponded to the best results for the production of açaí seedlings in a greenhouse under the conditions evaluated. The superior performance of this substrate can be attributed to its ability to improve soil structure and provide balanced nutrients, in addition to favoring moisture retention, essential factors for root development and aerial growth of.