Evaluation of Substrates for Jenipapo (Genipa americana L.) Seedlings Production

Jenipapo (Genipa americana L. Rubiaceae) is a native species not endemic to Brazil and found in several biomes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the emergence and growth of seedlings cultivated in different substrates. Treatments were made of: T1 (fertilized soil), T2 (fertilized soil + coconut fiber), T3 (fertilized soil + sand), T4 (sand + coconut fiber), T5 (bovine manure + coconut fiber), and T6 (bovine manure + sand). The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design, with six treatments (substrates) and four replications of 25 seeds. The following variables were evaluated: first emergence count, percentage of emergence, emergence speed index, seedling height, root length, stem diameter, number of leaves, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), leaf area, root dry matter, and shoot dry matter. The substrates T1 (fertilized soil), T2 (fertilized soil + coconut fiber), T3 (fertilized soil + sand) and T6 (bovine manure + sand) were more efficient for jenipapo seedlings production.