Production of gherkin seedlings in coconut fiber fertirrigated with different nutrient solutions

ABSTRACT Seedling quality is a key factor to achieve success in vegetable production. The present work aimed to evaluate the production of gherkin seedlings in substrate of coconut fiber fertirrigated with different concentrations of nutrients. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 × 5 factorial with four replications. The treatments consisted of combinations of three cultivars of gherkin (Do Norte, Liso de Calcutá, e Liso Gibão) with five concentrations of nutrients in the solution (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The nutrient solution, considered standard, matches the recommended solution for melon in hydroponic systems. We evaluated the variables: chlorophyll index, shoot length, number of leaves, stem diameter, main root length, dry weight of leaves, roots, and stem, mass of total dry matter, leaf area, specific leaf area, and leaf area ratio. All variables were affected by the ionic concentration in nutrient solutions. The use of coconut fiber in the production of gherkin seedlings is more efficient with nutrient solutions in concentrations ranging from 75 to 100% of the recommended solution for melon cultivation.

摘要：种苗质量是蔬菜生产获得成功的核心关键要素。本研究旨在评估采用椰糠（coconut fiber）栽培基质、配合不同养分浓度的水肥一体化灌溉方案时，腌渍小黄瓜（gherkin）种苗的生产表现。本实验采用3×5因子设计的完全随机方案，设置4次生物学重复。试验处理为3个腌渍小黄瓜品种（Do Norte、Liso de Calcutá、Liso Gibão）与5个营养液养分浓度（0%、25%、50%、75%、100%）的组合。本研究设定的标准营养液，匹配水培系统中甜瓜的推荐营养液配方。本研究测定的指标包括：叶绿素指数、株高、叶片数、茎粗、主根长度、叶片、根系及茎秆干重、总干物质质量、叶面积、比叶面积以及叶面积比。所有测定指标均受营养液离子浓度的显著影响。采用椰糠基质生产腌渍小黄瓜种苗时，使用浓度为甜瓜栽培推荐营养液75%~100%的水肥方案，可获得更优的生产效率。