Development of Indian Neem Seedlings under Different Levels of Shading

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of levels of shading on the seedling production of Indian neem (Azadirachta indica), aiming to obtain seedlings with higher quality standard. Four treatments were adopted (full sun; 30%, 50% and 70% of shading), arranged in a completely randomized design, with six replications. The following parameters were evaluated after 100 days: height of the aerial part; root-collar diameter; height/diameter ratio; fresh and dry mass of shoots, roots and total; number of leaves; and Dickson quality index. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the averages were compared by the Duncan test at 5% significance level. Seedlings produced under full sun showed higher standard of quality, with more suitable values observed for the following parameters: root-collar diameter, height/diameter ratio, fresh and dry mass of roots, number of leaves, and Dickson quality index.