Biomass and physiology of papaya seedlings produced under leaf fertilization with Spirulina platensis

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Spirulina platensis on the pro­duction of papaya (Carica papaya L.) seedlings in a protected environment. A completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications was used, with five plants in the experimental unit (n=20). The treatments consisted of different concentrations of Spirufert®, class "A" simple organic fertilizer, brand Tamanduá. Concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4% were used, diluted in drinking water. Growth characteristics, biomass accu­mulation and physiological aspects of the seedlings were evaluated using analysis of variance and, in the cases of significant effect, regression analysis was performed. The use of Spirulina platensis (Spirufert®) in low concentrations (1%) provided an improvement in the productive performance of the papaya seedlings and influenced the variable water use efficiency (A/E) in papaya seedlings.