The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of seedlings of Caesalpinia echinata Lam, subjected to five levels of shade. The seedlings, with 18 months of age, were subjected to 0%, 20, 40, 60 and 80% shade, obtained by with black polypropylene screen. The highest values for heights were obtained in plants grown under 20, 40 and 60% shade. Plants in full sun and 20% shade showed a higher stem base diameter; lower height/stem base diameter ratio, which reveals more balanced growth. The larger number of leaves was obtained in plants under a full sun. Considering the biomass allocation, increasing luminosity occasioned higher shoot, root and total dry mass accumulation and lower shoot/root ratios, suggesting greather investment of biomass to the roots. The highest values of Dickson´s Quality Index were observed in seedlings grown under lower levels of shading, being a good indicator of quality seedlings.
Native tree species; growth; seedlings; shading
