Effect of Enerplant® doses on the development and nutrient use by cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seedlings

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the application of doses of a biostimulant on the development, absorption and efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium utilization by cocoa seedlings.

Design / methodology / approach. In a completely randomized design, 4 doses of Enerplant® (0; 1; 2; 3 and 4 mL ha-1.) applied to cocoa seedlings grown under saran mesh were studied. The biostimulant was applied monthly via foliar. To determine the absorption of nutrients, 3 plants of each treatment were divided into leaves, stems and roots, dried for 72 hours at 65 ° C; they were ground, packaged, labeled, and sent to the laboratory, where the macronutrients of each component were determined.

Results. The cocoa seedlings responded positively to the application of the biostimulant. As an average of the two years of study, Enerplant® in doses of 1 mL ha-1 significantly increased height (24%), dry mass (30%); the quality index (58%) and the foliar area (56%) of the cocoa seedlings. Doses higher than 1 - 2 mL ha^-1 decreased plant growth. The pattern of nutrient absorption by cocoa in the nursery phase behaved in the order potassium> nitrogen> phosphorus

Conclusions. The efficiency of nutrient utilization, regardless of the Enerplant® dose applied, was higher for phosphorus followed by nitrogen and finally potassium The application of the biostimulant in doses of 2 ml ha^-1 guaranteed the highest absorption and efficiency values of utilization of macronutrients by cocoa seedlings