An experiment with growth and formation of papaya seedlings was carried out in the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Unit of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, from September to November 2006. Four protected environments, two kinds of pots and three substrate compositions were evaluated. The height of plants (cm) and leaf number were evaluated. The environments covered with screen (black and aluminized monofilament) showed best results to height and leaf number during experimental development. Polyethylene bags were the best containers to grow papaya seedlings. The substrate with vermiculite showed the best results in both containers and all environments. In the end phase of seedling formation, the aluminized screen led to bigger plants in better substrates. Polystyrene trays with 72 cells were not viable for growing papaya seedlings. The substrate with higher percentage of sawdust showed the worst results.
sunrise solo; greenhouse; bags; trays; propagation
