Physiological analysis of micropropagated banana ‘BRS Conquista’ seedlings acclimatized under different substrates and organomineral fertilizer doses

Abstract In the production of micropropagated seedlings, an important step is the exposure of plants to local environmental conditions, called acclimatization. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological response of banana ‘BRS Conquista’ cultivar, under different substrates and organomineral fertilizer doses during acclimatization. The experimental design used was a 3 x 5 factorial scheme (substrates x organomineral fertilizer doses), with five replicates and five seedlings per plot. The substrates used were: coconut fiber, pine bark and 100% natural mixed commercial formula. The organomineral fertilizer used was 4-14-8 at doses of 0, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 g m-3. At 60 days after seedlings transplant, evaluations were performed regarding radiation incidence (Qleaf), internal CO2 concentration (Ci), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (E), photosynthesis (A), mesophyll conductance (Gm), chlorophyll fluorescence (F), maximum leaf fluorescence in light (Fm) and leaf area index (LAI). It was observed that the pine bark substrate provided adequate physiological levels for the development of banana seedlings during acclimatization, as well as higher leaf area values. Intermediate organomineral fertilizer doses (1,000 to 3,000 g m-3) resulted in higher photosynthetic rates.