Morpho physiological attributes of Myracrodruon balansae seedlings in nursery: one more step for conservation

Abstract

Studies that enable conservation of species at risk of extinction are needed worldwide. In this sense, seedlings for conservation purposes are essential to meet the demand for projects and planting of these species in the field. Myracrodruon balansae (Engler) D. A. Santin is a forest species native to southern Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay that lacks information on the appropriate inputs in nurseries to obtain quality seedlings. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of substrates and fertilizer sources on the production of M. balansae seedlings in nurseries. At 130 days after sowing, the morphophysiological attributes of the seedlings were evaluated: We observed the range of chemical and physical substrate features to enable seedlings production. Controlled release fertilizer enables the production at certain proportions of carbonized rice husk. The species tolerates the low fertility levels, and high porosity substrates, however, in such condition did not show good physiological and morphological features. Using different fertilization and carbonized rice husk affects the production time and the quality of M. balansae seedlings. The morphological and physiological characteristics demonstrated that the controlled release fertilizer 6 g L^-1 and 40% carbonized rice husk provided quality seedlings. Therefore, all the morphological and physiological variables evaluated can predict the quality of M. balansae seedlings.