The mining and viticulture activities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil have contributed to soil contamination by copper. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of copper doses on growth and quality of Ateleia glazioviana and Lafoensia pacari seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (2 x 4) with five replications. The experiment involved two forest species and three copper doses (64, 128 and 192 mg kg-1). The plant height, stem diameter, root and shoot dry-mass, length and specific superficial area of roots, as well as seedlings quality index: relationship between shoot height and stem diameter, shoot height and dry-mass of shoots were evaluated. In addition, Dickson's quality index was estimated. The results showed that the tested copper doses reduce the quality of seedlings of Ateleia glazioviana; however, the Lafoensia pacari quality was better with Cu dose of 128 mg kg-1. Dose of copper influenced the growth of Ateleia glazioviana seedlings, but increased significantly the length and specific surface area of the Lafoensia pacari up to Cu dose of 128 mg kg-1. Lafoensia pacari seedlings are more tolerant to soil contamination than Ateleia glazioviana and display better quality of seedlings at high copper doses.
forestry species; heavy metal; tolerance
