Efecto de sustratos orgánicos sobre la calidad de la planta de maracuyá (Passiflora edulis flavicarpa) en vivero

Abstract

The present research focused on evaluating the effect of different organic substrates on the quality of passion fruit plants under nursery conditions, due to the economic and nutritional importance of this crop in Ecuador. The general objective was to determine how various combinations of organic substrates influence the growth and development of passion fruit plants in the nursery. For this purpose, seven treatments were used, combining compost, agricultural soil, charcoal, sand, and black soil, evaluating variables such as plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, chlorophyll index, dry matter accumulation, and photosynthetic efficiency 60 days after planting. The main results indicated that treatments with compost and charcoal (T1 and T5) showed the highest dry matter accumulation, while those with biochar and compost (T1, T3, and T5) significantly improved the quantum efficiency of photosystem II and the chlorophyll index, providing optimal conditions for photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant development. In conclusion, substrates that combine compost and biochar are the most effective in improving the quality and productivity of passion fruit plants in the nursery, optimizing soil structure and nutrient availability. These findings highlight the importance of adequately selecting substrate components to maximize plant performance, recommending future research that includes other organic substrates and evaluating their impact under different climatic conditions and on soil microbiota.