Seedling formation and field production of beetroot and lettuce in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

In horticulture, the proper use of containers and substrates for the production of seedlings are important factors that affect crop productivity in the field. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different containers and substrates in the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa, cv Veneranda) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris, cv Top Tall Early Wonder) seedlings in nursery with monofilament screen, 50% of shading, and the productivity of these species when transplanted to field plots. In protected cultivation, a completely randomized experimental design, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme (three polystyrene trays, R1= 72, R2= 128 and R3= 200 cells and three substrates, S1= 93% of soil + 7% of organic compost, S2= 86% of soil + 14% of organic compost and S3= 79% of soil + 21% of organic compost) was used, with 15 replications, where one plantlet was a replication. In the field, the nine treatments were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design. The 72 cells tray with 7% commercial organic compost substrate promoted the best beetroot and lettuce seedlings. In the field, the plants from the 72 cell tray produced greater plants, independent of substrates type.