Qualidade de hastes florais de statice (Limonium sinuatum) em função da luz na emergência de plântulas e da época de semeadura

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of light during seedling emergence and sowing dates on the production of statice (Limonium sinuatum) in the municipality of Dois Vizinhos, Paraná, Brazil. The experiments were conducted between April and November 2024 at the Viveiro Florestal of UTFPR–DV. Two light conditions (with and without shading) were assessed during seedling emergence (Trial 1), and two sowing dates (May 3 and June 20, 2024) were evaluated (Trial 2). Phenological, yield, and flower stem quality parameters of the statice cultivar QIS Yellow (Ball) were investigated. Both trials followed a completely randomized design with ten replicates (individual plants). The analyzed parameters included seedling emergence, emergence speed index, stem length and thickness, number of inflorescences per stem, and the time to reach phenological stages R1, R3, and R5. Shading resulted in faster and more uniform emergence (50%), leading to a more homogeneous seedling batch. However, no significant differences were observed in phenological traits or flower stem quality between light and shade treatments. Similarly, sowing dates did not significantly affect phenological or yield parameters, although the crop cycle varied depending on the planting date. The results indicate that statice exhibits good agronomic performance under different light conditions during emergence and can be cultivated across the evaluated sowing periods, representing a promising alternative for regional floriculture.