Growth of peach palm seedlings under palm leaves nursery conditions

Abstract

Seedlings of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes H.B.K.) were grown in plastic bags filled with fertile soil. Initial nursery shading condition was 50% and after seven and a half months of gradual shade thinning the seedlings were exposed to direct sunlight. Growth analysis was performed by the descriptive method at 40 days intervals. Mean leaf emission rate was about 1 leaf per 40 days. Growth of seedlings was affected by the adaptation process to direct sunlight, decreasing the mean relative growth rate of leaves and roots. Five and a half month old seedlings appear to be ready for planting in the field if they are already adapted to the local climate. Planting in the field should be done at least one month and a half after total exposure to sunlight, when the seedlings are in the growth recuperation phase. Accumulation of dry matter in above ground parts is higher than that in roots.