This study aimed to contrast the effects of shading on the growth of S. orientalis by applying growth analysis. The experiments were conducted in pots under full sunlight (A) and 50% shading (B). Plant growth indices were determined at 14, 28, 42, 56, 80, 94 and 108 days after transplant (DAT) for A and at 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 108, 122, 136 DAT for B. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four repetitions. Data were analyzed by means of regression analysis. The models were chosen based on the significance of the regression coefficients, using the t test up to 10% in the determination coefficient and the phenomenon under study. The plants presented a similar behavior in A and B for most of the variables analyzed; however, the plants under shading (mean radiation of 218 µmol m-² s-¹) had a longer cultural cycle duration (around 140 DAT) with their maximum and minimum points being much slower than the plants under full sunlight (average of 658 µmol m-² s-¹), with approximately 110 DAT. The plants under shading also obtained the highest averages for most of the indices evaluated, such as leaf area, height, number of leaves and floral capitulum, total dry biomass, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, leaf weight ratio, leaf area ratio and specific leaf area, indicating that this species is favored by shading.
growth analysis; shading; shrimp-claw plant
