Weak and malformed seedlings compromise the development of the crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of yellow melon seedlings in different substrates under protected cultivation. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during November and December, at the Federal University of Pelotas (RS). The following substrates were tested: T1: bovine manure vermicompost; T2: Plantmax® substrate; T3: Húmus Fértil® commercial substrate; T4: bovine vermicompost 75%+ carbonized rice bark 25%; and T5: soil 75%+bovine vermicompost 25%. The evaluated variables were: the rate of speed and percentage of emergence from days 6th to 9th; height; main root length; and dry mass of roots and shoots of the watermelon seedlings at 27 days. The substrates that provided the highest speed rate of emergence of yellow melon were Húmus Fértil®, bovine manure vermicompost and bovine vermicompost 75%+ carbonized rice bark 25%. Increased seedling height was obtained with the substrate Húmus Fértil®. The main root length was higher with bovine manure vermicompost, Húmus Fértil®, soil 75%+bovine vermicompost 25% (SO75 + VB25) than with 75% ground beef + 25% vermicompost. The root dry weight was higher with Húmus Fértil® than soil 75%+bovine vermicompost 25%. It is possible to use substrates alone or in combination for the production of yellow melon seedlings in greenhouses. However, the use of soil 75% in combination with bovine vermicompost 25% should be avoided.
Cucumis melo; carbonized rice bark; propagation; greenhouse; vermicompost
