Containers and seedling quality for Quercus crassipes Bonpl.

Abstract

Mexico is the richest country in oak species and they span over its territory, however, there is scarce research about its propagation and its seedling quality. Was studied this last in Quercus crassipes Bonpl., in two sizes of containers: large (210 mL) and small (150 mL). The growing media was composted pine bark (60 %), vermiculite (30 %) and agrolite (10 %). During the establishment phase was applied starter fertilizer (9-45-15), 100 ppm P, 21.97 ppm N, 62.23 ppm K. During the growing phase, was applied growth fertilizer (20-20-20), 150 ppm N, 66 ppm P, 123 ppm K. In the hardening phase, was used finalizer fertilizer (4-25-35), 150 ppm de K, 20 ppm de N y 56.87 ppm P. Were measured height, caliper, number of leaves, foliar area, foliar dry weight, tap root length, number of lateral roots, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and total dry weight. Were calculated shoot/root ratio, slenderness coefficient and Dickson index. Was utilized a randomized complete block experimental design (four replications) and performed an analysis of variance and the Tukey test (SAS). The larger container showed larger (p≤0.05) height (19.2 and 16 cm), caliper (4.3 and 3.6 mm) and tap root length. The other variables exhibited no significant differences. Overall the plant showed good seedling quality indicators, but is preferred the large one, for there is research evidence for other species of its higher field survival. Large containers and the growing media and fertilization employed may be used to produce quality seedlings, while the indicators obtained may be used as reference.