Effect of Irrigation Depths on the Growth of Papaya Seedlings

Water is a limiting factor for the production of Papaya tree (Carica papaya L.) seedlings. Its lack leads to a reduction in the absorption of nutrients and its excess provides an environment for the development of pathogens, contributing to the leaching of nutrients, besides generating wastes. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of irrigation depths on the growth of seedlings of ‘Rubi INCAPER 511’ papaya. The experiment was carried out at the Federal Institute of Espirito Santo, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized. Six treatments were used: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm d-1 with 24 seedlings per treatment, totaling 144 in the experimental field. 60 days after sowing, the following morphological characteristics were evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, SPAD index, shoot dry mass, dry mass of the root system and Dickson quality index. The depths between 12.5 and 14 mm d-1presented higher Dickson quality index, stem diameter, plant height and leaf number, with the 12.5 mm d-1depth being recommended for economic reasons in the production of seedlings of papaya 'Rubi INCAPER 511'.