Biometria de sementes e produção de mudas de rosa do deserto em diferentes substratos

Abstract

The desert rose (Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult.) is a plant that has been widely used for garden ornamentation, holding significant importance in the landscaping and gardening market. Thus, establishing a way to perform biometric analysis and a seedling production system that offers significant utilization of water and available materials for substrate composition in each region is crucial for propagation and the quality of these plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate biometric aspects and investigate the influence of different substrates on the physiological potential of seeds and the initial growth of desert rose seedlings. This study was conducted at the Vitrine do Verde plant store located on Rodovia Dr. Ib Gatto Marinho Falcão, AL 101 south - Barra Nova, Marechal Deodoro – AL (9°43'31.2"S 35°49'46.6"W), with A. obesum seedlings produced from seeds. The plant's preference for high light and heat incidence has made its adaptation successful in Brazil; however, agronomic information and available technologies are scarce, hindering the commercial production system and, consequently, promoting an increase in its ornamental value. It is known that the use of a specific substrate with high water drainage capacity is effective for development since the plant's roots cannot tolerate excess water. Based on this information, this study identified crucial points for seedling growth and development, providing information that allowed optimizing the production system with reduced costs. It was observed that among the substrates used, the use of treatment T3 composed of decomposed rice husk (55%) + carbonized rice husk (15%) + topsoil (15%) + peanut shell (15%) is preferable, as it proved to be efficient in the analyzed parameters. However, it is worth noting that further studies are necessary to increase knowledge and facilitate the cultivation of this highly appreciated crop.

KEYWORDS: Adaptation; Development; Cost/benefit; Desert rose