Effect of Alternative Substrates on the Growth of Lycopersicumesculentum (Tomato) Seedlings

Abstract

Tomato is the most important vegetable crop in Mozambique, being largely produced by the family and commercial sector. In this context, it is important to highlight that the quality of the seedlings is a fundamental factor in obtaining greater productivity andcommercial substrates are the most preferred for seedling production. However, their use is limited due to their high acquisition cost, which makes producers resort to seedling production in nurseries, but this option can cause losses due the risk of causing irregularity or lack of seed germination and poor seedling formation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the combination of commercial substrate Fertiplus organic substrates and cattle manure on the germination and initial growth of tomato (Lycopersicumesculentum) seedlings. A completely randomized statistical design was used, with five treatments and three replications, where the treatments consisted of using the following substrates: A – 100% Fertiplus; B – 80% Fertiplus and 20% cattle manure; C –60% Fertiplus and 40% cattle manure; D – 40% Fertiplus and 60% cattle manure; E – 20% Fertiplus and 80% cattle manure. At 35 days after sowing, the seedlings were evaluated for: Height, Stem Diameter, Number of Leaves, Emergence Rate ??Index, Dickson Quality Index; Root Dry matter; Total DryMatter andAboveground Dry Matter. The substrate containing 60% Fertiplus and 40% cattle manure showed better germination and initial growth results, which shows that it can be used as alternative to 100% Commercial substrate.