| Summary: | ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of container sizes and irrigation levels on "jatoba" (Hymenaea courbaril L.) seedlings development. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse from September 2010 to March 2011. The design was in randomized blocks, with three replications in split plots, in a 2 x 5 scheme. Two container sizes (rigid pots of 3.1 L and stiff plastic tubes of 4.0 L) were used in the plots, while five drip irrigation levels (20%, 40%, 60% 80% and 100% of potential evapotranspiration - ETp) were used in the subplots. The irrigations were accomplished daily. Each subplot was constituted by eight seedlings. In the period from 80 to 200 days after sowing (DAS), the seedling height (AM), stem diameter (DC), leaves number (NF), leaf area (AF), dry matter mass of roots (MSR) and seedling (MSM) and relation between root dry matter mass and aerial part (MSR/MSPA) were evaluated. The stiff plastic tube provided larger ETp, in comparison with the rigid pot and, consequently, more developed seedlings. Irrigation levels from 90% to 100% of ETp provided more vigorous seedlings. The increase of water deficit reduces all the parameters of jatoba seedlings, except the MSR/MSPA ratio.
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