Liming and phosphate fertilization in seedlings production of cagaiteira.

The cagaiteira (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) is an important fruit species native from Brazilian Cerrado that has economic potential for food and pharmaceutical sectors and the recovery of degraded areas. Knowledge about crop management is still limited, including fertilization methods. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lime and phosphorus (P) application on nutrition, growth, dry matter production and physiological aspects of cagaiteira seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a randomized block design with three replications, in a 5x4 factorial scheme, five base saturation levels (24.5, 40.0, 60.0, 80.0 and 100.0%) and four P rates (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg dm-3). At 180 days after transplanting, gas exchange, biometrics (diameter, height and leaf area), dry mass production, seedling quality (Dickson Quality Index - DQI) and nutrient content were evaluated. The results were subjected to analysis of variance (p<0.05) and regression model adjustments. The growth and physiology of Eugenia dysenterica DC seedlings are not influenced by liming; however, the application of lime positively influences the B content in the plants. Phosphate fertilization increases growth in height, with an estimated rate of 245 mg dm-3 of P indicated to produce cagaiteira seedlings, since at this dose is estimated that the plant will be taller. In general, cagaiteira proves to be a species that develops well in acid soil conditions and with low availability of P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]