Losses by percolating and leaching are evident on substrates for citrus seedling production, notably in the initial phase, until rootstock transplant. The research was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effects of hydro-absorbent polymer and lithothamnium on 'Cleópatra' tangerine tree development until transplant. The sowing was done in stiff plastic tubes (50 mL) filled up with commercial substrate and treatments: two doses of lithothamnium (0 and 5 g L-1) and five doses of polymer (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 g L-1). The experimental design was entirely randomized, in a factor arrangement 5 x 2, with four replications and seven plants by plot. The seedling development was evaluated with the following characteristics: length of the aerial part and roots system (cm), number of leaves per plant and dry matter of the aerial part and roots (mg). The hydro-absorbent polymer incorporation to the substrate favored 'Cleópatra' rootstocks development on the initial production phase. The doses should not overcome 50 g L-1 to avoid excess of water levels in substrate and difficult roots system aeration. The Lithothamnium incorporation to the substrate provided better development.
Citrus reshni; propagation; Citriculture; hydro-absorbent polymer; lithothamnium
