Effect of Shadeness Over Chlorophyll Level and Initial Growth of Cariniana legalis

Abstract

Toevaluate the effects of periods of shadeness over the initial growth and concentrations of chlorophyll in Cariniana legalis (Mart.) Kuntze seedlings, an experiment was installed in the research nursery of Embrapa Florestas, at Colombo/PR, Brazil. It was utilized randomized blocks design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments established were: 100% (entire light); 70%, 64%, 44% and 34% of sun radiation. Monitoring of height and diameter were made under intervals of 30 days, from 60o to 180o day after emergency (DAE). Air total dry matter weight of roots, leaf area, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were measured 180 days after emergency. FAR (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) of 63, 07% led to the best seedling growth in height. Best diameter averages of the region that divides roots from stem occurred with seedlings submitted to entire light. The contrary was observed with leaf area, where major averages were observed when seedlings were submitted to shadeness (34% of light). Dry matter estimates accumulated on 54,40 % of FAR. Chlorophyll a and b levels were higher in the leaves of seedlings cultivated in shadow. Seedlings of Cariniana legalis, at the first phase presented a good growth rate when cultivated among 54% and 64% of brightness.