Pyroligneous extract for production of Pinus taeda L. seedlings

Resumen

Production of well-developed Pinus taeda L. seedlings is essential for satisfactory development of planted forests. Biostimulant compounds, such as pyroligneous extract, have shown great potential to improve plant growth of some agronomic crops, and therefore should be tested in forestry species as well. Hence, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of pyroligneous extract on P. taeda seedlings under nursery conditions. The experiment was carried out under completely randomized conditions, studying three concentrations of extract added to the substrate. Plant height and diameter were measured monthly, and data regarding plant biomass and development were collected after six months. Pyroligneous extract had no effect on seed germination. Plant height was improved in 12.5% only at 30 days after sowing with 2.5% extract added to the substrate. Fresh mass or volume of roots, as well as shoot mass, were not affected by pyroligneous extract. However, root dry mass was increased from 0.258g to 0.335g with 1.0% pyroligneous extract. Root production by Pinus taeda seedlings is significantly improved by adding 1.0% pyroligneous extract in the substrate before sowing. Therefore, addition of 1.0% pyroligneous extract to substrate is recommended to improve root development of Pinus taeda seedlings at nursery.