EFFECT OF THREE SUBSTRATES AND TWO PLASTIC COLORS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOMATILLO ( Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) SEEDLINGS

Obtaining quality seedlings for production of tomatillo is important, because the production process of this horticultural crop involves transplanting to accomplish a uniform and fast plant establishment and to reduce the crop production cycle. This study was carried out in Chapingo, Mexico, with the aim of evaluating the effect of three substrates (coconut fiber, peat moss, vermicompost) and two plastic colors (black and silver) on the emergency rate and growth of tomatillo seedlings under greenhouse conditions in uncovered and covered plastic trays. Treatments were established under a completely randomized experimental design with four replications. The following variables were evaluated at the seedling stage: plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight in samples taken at 15, 22, and 30 days after seeding (das), stem diameter and nutrient content sampling at 30 das. Peat moss and coconut fiber, regardless of plastic utilization or color, resulted in higher rates for seedling germination and emergency. These substrates allowed the development of seedlings with better transplanting characteristics. Nutrient absorption was not affected by substrates.