Efficiency of different containers on the development of Cedrela fissilis Vell. (Meliaceae) seedlings

Abstract

Shape and size of container for seedling production influence directly on field survivor. We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different containers on the development of Cedrela fissilis (cedro) seedlings for application in forest restoration projects. Seedlings were transplanted into five different containers: large and small plastic bags; tubes of three different sizes. After 120 days of acclimation, seedlings development was evaluated in relation to growth patterns, biomass allocation and levels of chlorophyll a, b and total. We observed plant growth reduction toward decreasing containers sizes and volumes, although to the tubes, these differences were not significant. Plastic bags showed higher dry matter accumulation. Seedlings growing in tubes of 100 cm³ showed both higher accumulation of a chlorophyll and root biomass than shoots, which enabled them for better acclimatization to field conditions. In order to fast produce of large seedlings, large plastic bags seem to represent the best alternative due to better seedling development. However, tubes of 100 cm³ are an important alternative to large scale production and with higher acclimation under field conditions.