Performance of arugula genotypes under irrigation depths on Brazilian Cerrado

ABSTRACT Due to the water balance in the Brazilian Cerrado, it is not necessary to cultivate arugula in a rainfed system. Together with the lack of research on with this crop, it is necessary to study the response of genotypes to irrigation in this biome. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the optimal irrigation depth and to identify the best arugula genotypes. Three arugula genotypes were field-tested during two cycles under the effect of four irrigation depths based on crop evapotranspiration. The parameters evaluated were root depth, SPAD index, number of plants and leaves per plant, plant diameter, fresh shoot mass and water use efficiency. The arugula presented the same demand for irrigation in the two cycles, and the genotypes and/or irrigation depths affected the evaluated parameters. The results support that the Folha Larga variety should be preferred by Brazilian Cerrado producers and irrigated with 90% replacement of crop evapotranspiration.