Abstract

CASTRO-GARIBAY, Sandra L.; ALDRETE, Arnulfo; LOPEZ-UPTON, Javier  and  ORDAZ-CHAPARRO, Víctor M.. Effect of container, substrate and fertilization on Pinus greggii var. australis growth in the nursery. Agrociencia [online]. 2018, vol.52, n.1, pp.115-127. ISSN 2521-9766.

In the nursery, the container, substrate and fertilization affect morphological and physiological characteristics of the plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth of Pinus greggii var. australis through interaction of containers, substrates and forms of fertilization. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 2x3x2 factorial array. The plants were produced in two types of 230 mL containers: (E1) with holes at the bottom for drainage and (E2) with lateral and bottom drainage. Three mixtures of substrates were used: larger proportion of peat moss (S1), pine bark (S2) or pine sawdust (S3). Osmocote Plus® (N-P-K 15:9:12) fertilizer was applied at a dosage of 8 g L-1 in two forms: F1 (only fertilizer 8-9 months release) and F2 (mixture, half 5-6 months release and half 8-9 months release). Seven months after sowing, the following parameters were measured: height, root collar diameter, shoot dry weight (SDW) and root dry weight (RDW). Also, the sturdiness quotient (SQ), the ratio shoot dry weight/ root dry weight, and the Dickson quality index (DQI) were calculated. The factors container and substrate were significant in all of the morphological variables (p≤0.05), but fertilization was not significant. Container E1 produced taller plants with larger diameters than those produced by E2. Plants in S1 were taller and had larger root collar diameter, higher SDW, SQ and DQI. With S2 and S3, minimum suggested growth was obtained. Container design modifies plant growth. With controlled release fertilizers and pine bark and sawdust substrates, it is possible to produce good quality plants.

Keywords : Pinus greggii var. australis; morphology; plant quality; controlled release fertilizer; sawdust; pine bark.

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