Vermicompost and Carbonized Rice Husk Influence the Production of Yellow Passion Fruit Cultivars Seedlings

Purpose The use of agro-industrial subproducts is a sustainable alternative in the formulation of substrates for plants. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of substrates formulated from vermicompost and carbonized rice husk on production of yellow passion fruit cultivars seedlings. Methods Four cultivars: BRS Gigante Amarelo, FB 300, IAC 275, and Rubi do Cerrado were sown in tubes filled with six substrates from combinations of vermicompost (V) and carbonized rice husk (CRH): 100% V, 90% V + 10% CRH, 80% V + 20% CRH, 70% V + 30% CRH, 60% V + 40% CRH, and 50% V + 50% CRH. Results We observed that substrates with higher proportions of vermicompost presented better chemical attributes and moisture content. Seedlings from cv. BRS Gigante Amarelo and FB 300 showed higher relative water content produced in substrates with a proportion > 70% of vermicompost. The highest growth and biomass production characteristics were observed in all cultivar's seedlings in 100% V and 90% V + 10% CRH. Conclusion Substrates containing 100% and 90% vermicompost contributed to obtaining passion fruit seedlings with higher growth and photoassimilates accumulation. The addition > 30% CRH in the substrate formulation impaired the production of passion fruit cultivars seedlings.