The aim of the study was to evaluate the graft box of lemon tree (of the family Rutaceae) nutritional state and its components of growth in function of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium dose by fertilization. The experimental outlining was entirely made casually in factorial scheme 3³ + 1, being 3 factors (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - NPK), 3 doses and an evidence (without fertilization), with 3 repetitions. The experimental unit was constituted by two tubes of 2,8 cm of diameter and 12,3 cm high with a graft box (Hipobioto) of lemon tree (of the family Rutaceae) in each tube. The doses used were constituted by doses of N (460; 920 e 1840 mg dm-3), P (50; 100 e 200 mg dm-3) and K (395; 790 e 1580 mg dm-3). The fertilization with N and K was carried out by fertirrigations and the P added to the substract of Pinus rind and vermiculite before the seeding. When the plants were 133 days after the germination they were subdivided in radicular system and air part for the determination of the dry matter mass, height, foliar area, stem diameter and contents of nutrients. The N, K and P doses of 920 mg dm-3, 790 mg dm-3 and 100 mg dm-3, respectively, were enough for the suitable development of the graft box of lemon tree (of the family Rutaceae) in tubes.
citrus; tubes; Citrus limonia L. Osbeck; nutritional state; seedling
