Abstract
Studies on the agronomic characteristics of "cabeludinha" plant (Myrciaria glazioviana) as ecophysiological requirements, propagation and cultivation, are nonexistent. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of shading on the germination and seedling vigor of cabeludinha. The seeds and seedlings were submitted to levels of 0%, 16%, 54%, 72%, and 92% shading obtained with "sombrite" covering. After 159 days of experimentation, characteristics related to germination and seedling vigor were evaluated. The variables related to germination showed linear increases with increased shading. Quadratic models best represent the variables related to seedling vigor. The highest tested shading level does not result in the maximum germination potential yet but considerably reduces the seedling vigor. We conclude that the increase in germination with shading may be more related to the ability of the substrate to keep the wet seeds than the shading effect itself. With respect to the vigor, the development of seedlings is favored by shading between 47% and 64%, and the ideal is close to 52%. Superior shading considerably impairs seedling growth.
Key words:
cabeludinha; Atlantic Forest; Myrtaceae; plant propagation
