Formation of watermelon seedlings as a function of different concentrations and application forms biostimulant

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the different dosages and application of plant biostimulant on germination and on seedling development of watermelon cv. Crimson Sweet. The first experiment was conducted in greenhouse BOD evaluating the germination and vigor according to Stimulate^® concentrations (0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5 and 10 ml Kg^-1) applied via seed. The second experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where the treatments were the same as the first, determining the emergence and seedling development. In the third experiment, the seedlings were sprayed with Stimulate^® at concentrations of 0; 0.25; 0.5; 0.75 and 1%, evaluating: length of shoot and root, leaf number and mass dry roots and shoots. In three experiments we used a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replicates. Concentrations of 5 and 7,5 mL Kg^-1 favored the percentage of normal seedlings. However, there was no effect of Stimulate^® via seeds on the emergence percentage and seedling development of watermelon plants. The foliar application at 0.5% promoted the production of seedlings with larger diameters lap.