The germination and growth of passion fruit in peat substrates

Abstract

The use of "Lagoa dos Patos" (Viamão, RS) peat for production of Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) was tested in order to supply the necessity of nursery substrates in Rio Grande do Sul, a state with large peat deposits. The treatments consisted of peat (T) and mixture with amendments (carbonized rice hull - C - and sand - A -) in volume rates: T, 1T1C, 1T2C, 2T1C, 1T1A, 1T2A and 2T1A. The results were evaluated as: 1) germination and seedling growth and 2) final stage of development of plants. The "Lagoa dos Patos" peat is a good substrate for germination and growth of plants. Better results were obtained with addition of 33 and 50% of rice hulls. In germination and seedling growth the addition of more rice hulls reduced the percentage of germination and delayed this process. The best treatment for plant growth was 1T1C. Passiflora roots require high air space in environment, obtained by this medium. The mixture with sand showed bad results.