The work had the objective to evaluate the growth of papaya seedlings of the Solo group, under different doses of the natural fertilizers bokashi (fermented organic matter) and powderd sea algae (Lithothamnium sp). The substrate used was a mixture of soil, sand and organic compost (3:2:1, v/v). Treatments consisted of four doses of the bokashi fertilizer (0; 3; 6; 10%, v/v) and four doses of lithothamnium fertilizer (0; 3; 6; 10 g L-1), added to the substrate, before the filling of the bags. The experimental design used was completely randomized blocks, in a 4x4 factorial outline, with four repetitions and five plants per experimental plot. Evaluations were done at 15, 30, 60 and 100 days after seeding, which were: emergence (%), number of leaves, the shoot and the root length of the plant (cm), aerial, root and total dry matter weight (mg). There was significant interaction of the factors tested for the shoot length, at sixty and at hundred days after seeding; an isolated effect of the bokashi for all the analyzed variables, except for emergence, shoot length and number of leaves at thirty days after seeding. The conjugated use of the fertilizers showed a positive effect on precocity and plant height, and could be recommended in the formulation of substrate for the production of papaya seedlings.
Carica papaya L.; organic manuring; dried algae
