Avaliação do desenvolvimento de progênies de cinco clones de cajueiro-anão em Barra do Garças – MT

Abstract

The cashew tree is a tropical fruit tree native to Brazil, belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is best known for its cashew nut, which is one of the most consumed nuts in the world. In addition to the nut, the cashew tree also produces a juicy and sweet pseudofruit known as cashew apple. One of the main challenges in commercial cashew tree cultivation is low productivity. By studying the development of cashew trees in different locations, it is possible to identify factors that affect their growth and productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the growth of progenies from five cashew clones selected by Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical. A competition trial was conducted at the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Araguaia Campus, in Barra do Garças-MT, using a randomized complete block design with five replications. The following parameters were evaluated fortnightly for one year: plant height, trunk diameter, and number of branches in five progenies of the clones BRS 226, BRS 275, CCP 06, CCP 76, and EMBRAPA 51. Growth curves were plotted, and analysis of variance with means comparisons using the Scott-Knott test was performed. It was found that the growth in height, trunk diameter, and number of branches in the progenies of the clones BRS 226, BRS 275, CCP 06, CCP 76, and EMBRAPA 51 were similar. The period of higher temperature and precipitation significantly favored the growth in height, trunk diameter, and number of branches. The progenies of the clones BRS 226, BRS 275, CCP 06, CCP 76, and EMBRAPA 51 showed good growth in Barra do Garças-MT and can be recommended for cultivation in the region. Further evaluations are needed to more effectively define the performance of the clones for subsequent recommendation to farmers.