Produção de mudas de melocactus salvadorensis em diferentes proporções de adubo (bovino e ovino)

Abstract

Melocactus salvadorensis is a cactus found in northeastern Brazil that has been impacted by extractive activities and, consequently, reducing its natural population. The objective of the research was to establish a seedling production protocol evaluating different proportions of fertilizer (bovine and ovine). Ripe fruits were pulped, the seeds washed in running water, dried and stored. The seeds were sown in vegetable soil and kept in the agricultural greenhouse of the Federal University of Sergipe for 30 days. The plants obtained were transplanted to substrate with different types of fertilizer (beef and sheep) in different proportions (0%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 60%). The experiment was carried out in an agricultural greenhouse under 80% shade and watered weekly. The experimental design was completely randomized and each treatment consisted of 12 replications, consisting of a plastic pot with three plants. At 60, 90 and 150 days, the variables analyzed were survival, height and diameter. The values obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and, when significant, regression analysis was performed. The significance level adopted was 5%. Statistical analyzes were performed using Sisvar software. There was an increase in plant height and diameter when adding cattle or sheep manure in the formulation, but the highest values were obtained with the proportion of 10%, above this proportion there was a reduction in growth rates. The 60% concentration affected plant growth and, in the case of cattle manure, showed toxicity demonstrated by reduced survival. It was concluded that the addition of manure in the proportion of 10% benefits the growth of Melocactus salvadorensis seedlings.