Seedlings development of two tree species: Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth and Sterculia foetida L., under different shading levels in nursery

Abstract

This experiment was carried out with the objective to evaluate the necessary shading level to produce quality seedlings of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (sabiá) and Sterculia foetida (chichá). Seedlings of the two species were submitted to: 0, 50, 70 e 92% shading levels in an entirely random experimental design with 35 replicates (seedlings). The variables evaluated were seedling height, number of leaves and collar diameter; shoot/root dry mass ratio and seedling height/collar diameter ratio. The seedlings cultivated under 50% shading showed the best development, with higher collar diameter and root development in both species. In addition, at this shading level, the seedlings accumulated more dry mass, mainly at leaves. Although the quality of the seedlings reduced in higher shading levels, these species tolerated up to 92% shading.