Luminosity levels affect the initial seedlings growth and nutrient accumulation in khaya senegalensis A. juss

Abstract

Khaya senegalensis, is a promising species for forest production, as it has excellent timber properties and adapts well to local edaphoclimatic conditions. To achieve better results in plant production and growth, some factors are important, such as nutrients, water and light. Light interferes directly with photosynthesis, plant growth and biomass. This study aims to investigate the morphological response and nutrient accumulation in seedlings of Khaya senegalensis under luminosity levels. An experiment was installed in the forest nursery during 150 days. The seedlings were distributed in a completely randomized design with fi ve treatments in luminosity levels (full sun, 70%, 50%, 30% and natural shade), and 16 replicates. Height and diameter were measured in 30 days intervals. At the end of the experiment, mass weights (leaf, stem, root and total) were measured, and the root-shoot ratio and seed quality index proposed by Dickson were calculated. The accumulated macro and micronutrient contents were determined from the dry leaf material. The highest plants, diameters and total dry matter were found at levels of 70%, 50%, 30%, respectively. Plants exposed to natural shade grew less, in relation to plants with higher luminosity levels. As for nutrient accumulation, plants under natural shade accumulated higher levels of iron, while plants in the full sun accumulated more nitrogen contents. Plants with partial light conditions (70%, 50%, and 30%) were heavier in total biomass. Thus, the initial growth of Khaya senegalensis in low light conditions is compromised, whereas partial luminosities favor the growth and quality of seedlings.