Organic substrate and organic foliar fertilizer effect on chlorophyll index and growth in Umbuzeiro seedlings

The umbuzeiro (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) is a fruit tree originating from the Caatinga biome that enjoys high acceptance in the market for in natura consumption or industrialized products; as a result, its cultivation has become of great importance for the region of Northeast Brazil. The objective was to evaluate growth, substrate temperature and chlorophyll indices in umbuzeiro seedlings at organic substrate levels and with organic foliar fertilizer (EcoLife®) applications. The experimental design was a randomized block with a factorial arrangement of 5×2, with four replicates and three plants per experiment unit. The factors corresponded to the proportions of the organic compost to the substrates (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%), with and without foliar applications of 1% organic foliar fertilizer. The growth, leaf area and chlorophyll indices of the umbuzeiro seedlings were higher in the treatments with organic compost and foliar applications of organic foliar fertilizer.