Influence of Different Protected Environments and Reflector Material on Cultivated Oiti (Licania tomentosa [Benth.] Fritsch) Seedlings

Abstract

Background: Oiti (Licania tomentosa [Benth.] Fritsch) is an option for urban forestation and rural environments that require shading by plants, so studying the plant environment to obtain quality seedlings is essential. The present study aimed to evaluate oiti seedlings in different protected environments with or without reflective material on a cultivation bench. Methods: The following protected environments were evaluated: an agricultural greenhouse covered with a low-density polyethylene film and a thermo-reflective screen with 42%/50% shading under the film; an agricultural screenhouse with an aluminized screen with 35% shading; an agricultural screenhouse with a black screen with 30% shading; and an agricultural screenhouse with a black screen with 18% shading. Production systems with and without photosynthetically active radiation-reflecting material (aluminized screen, Aluminet®) on the cultivation bench were assessed in each protected environment. Results: There was no interaction between the environmental factors; however, the environments influenced height, stem diameter, root dry matter, and total biometric relationships and growth rates. The reflective material did not improve the quality of oiti seedlings. The ratio of shoot and root dry matter was, on average, 71% for the shoots and 29% for the roots. The photosynthetically active radiation received by oiti seedlings ranged from 600 to 1,100 μmol m-2 s-1. Conclusions: The greenhouse with 42%/50% shading screen under the film and the black screen with 30% shading were the best environments for the formation of Licania tomentosa seedlings. The reflective material on the cultivation bench did not result in better quality oiti seedlings.