Avaliação de diferentes substratos na qualidade fisiológica de sementes de melão de caroá [Sicana odorifera (Vell.) Naudim]

Caroa melon is a curcubitaceae found in its native form in the Reconcavo Region of Bahia, where it is used by popular medicine for many diseases. However, this species is little explored in research. The objective of the present work was to study different substrates in order to evaluate the germination index and seed vigor in caroa melon (Sicana odorifera) during seedling production. The following substrates were used: washed sand, sand washed with worm humus (2:1) and commercial substrate, Plantmax®.The following evaluations were carried out: germination test, speed of germination index (SGI), stem diameter, plant height, root length and root, stem and leaf dry matter. The commercial substrate Plantmax® presented the best performance compared to the others; however, the most adequate and least costly in seedling production using caroa melon (Sicana odorifera) seeds, was the mixture of washed sand and worm humus in the 2:1 ratio.