Seedlings growth rates of lulo (Solanum quitoense [Lamarck.]) In organic substrates

Abstract

Lulo (Solanum quitoense [Lamarck.]) is a species with high potential for global marketing because of the nutritional value of its fruit. In Mexico, research on this species is scarce and one of the first challenges is to obtain vigorous seedlings to ensure yield and good fruit quality. In this research, growth rates lulo seedlings from germinated seeds and grown in three organic substrates made of peat and compost in different ratios (60/40, 40/60 and 20/80, v/v) in the greenhouse were estimated. The experiment had a distribution completely randomized design with four replications, and the experimental unit contained 32 seedlings. Leaf area ratio (RAF), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf ratio (PH) and root ratio (PR): sixty days after sowing growth, data direct for the estimation of the following indexes were taken. The data obtained were analysed statistically with an analysis of variance and mean comparison test. The results indicated that, the compost in higher proportion in the substrate reduces the RAF, the AFE and PH; on the other hand, increases the PR. Adding compost to the substrate in proportion 80%, negatively affected growth rates of seedlings of lulo due to increased electrical conductivity, and Na+, Cl- and HCO3- soluble in the substrate. It is concluded that, the compost can be used with satisfactory results in the production of lulo seedlings in combination with peat, in equal or less than 60%.