Initial production and quality of camu-camu fruits under organic and mineral fertilization

Abstract

Camu-camu [Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh] is a native plant of the Amazon basin floodplains that is facing a domestication process in dry land. This study aimed to evaluate, qualitatively and quantitatively, camu-camu fruits obtained at the first harvest, in dry land areas, under mineral and organic fertilization. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with 10 treatments and 4 replications. Each experimental plot consisted of 4 lines with 5 holes (3 plants hole-1). Fertilization with organic residues (filter cake and compost + filter cake) every four months provided a higher fruit yield (326 g plant-1). However, the yield was lower when mineral fertilization or its combination with organic matter (76 ± 40 g plant-1) was used. Fertilization with filter cake + compost increased the fruit weight (8.91 g) and size (2.47 cm in diameter and 2.30 cm in length). The mineral and organic fertilization did not influence the chemical characteristics of the camu-camu fruits.