Production of cucurbits seedlings using organic substrates made from sheep manure.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the emergence and development of seedlings of cucurbits in substrates made from sheep manure. Three experiments were carried out between November 2010 and April 2011, in Serra Talhada-PE. The experiment was completely randomized design, with four replications. The treatments consisted of 10 substrates: commercial substrate (Tropstrato HT®); sheep manure + sand (1:1); sheep manure + sand (2:1); sheep manure + sand (3:1); sheep manure + soil (1:1); sheep manure + soil (2:1); sheep manure + soil (3:1); sheep manure + sand + soil (1:1:1); sheep manure + sand + soil (2:1:1); sheep manure + sand + soil (3:1:1). The cultivars were Jacarezinho (pumpkin), Crimson Select Plus (watermelon) and Yellow (melon). Percentage and speed index of emergence were evaluated. Leaf number, seedling height, root length, shoot dry matter, and root dry matter were analyzed to quantify the development characteristics of the seedlings. For the pumpkin cultivation, the best quality seedlings were obtained when produced using the substrate made of sheep manure + soil in 3:1 proportion. The treatment of sheep manure + soil (2:1) showed the best results for the variables studied in seedlings of both watermelon and melon.