Application of hydrosoluble complex in the formation of passion fruit seedlings

Abstract

The yellow passion fruit is propagated by seeds. However, farmers have demanded a technology that would produce more vigorous and higher quality seedlings for improvements in the field. Seedlings´ nutrition during formation is highly important and the use of alternative products as a source of mineral nutrients would improve its formation and, at the same time, its production system for a better relationship between costs, benefits and environment. Current study evaluates the effect of hydrosoluble complex at different frequencies of application and concentrations in the growth and development of passion fruit seedlings. Passion fruit seedlings were placed in small tubes conditioned in a plastic hothouse between September and December 2013. The hydrosoluble complex was applied by manual fertigation at concentrations 0, 250, 500 and 1000 mg L-1 and at different application intervals (10, 20 and 30 days) on seedlings with or without chemical fertilization. After 90 days, height, stalk diameter, number of leaves, length of root and fresh and dry mass of the aerial part and root system, and leaf area were evaluated. Results showed that HC did not influence the formation of seedlings if applied on passion fruit seedlings cultivated in the substrate without conventional chemical fertilization. HC application on passion fruit seedlings at concentration 1000 mg L-1 for every 20 days with or without conventional chemical fertilization increases the stalk diameter, whilst the application of 250 mg L-1 of HC, regardless of frequency of application, increases root mass.