Abstract

OROZCO GUTIERREZ, Gabriela et al. Plant quality diagnosis in the nurseries of Colima. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2010, vol.1, n.2, pp.135-146. ISSN 2007-1132.

In forest nurseries, the insumes and treatments applied to the plants vary as they depend upon the availability of economic, technological and human resources, which has fostered differences among production systems, which is related, as well, to their geographic location and climate. However, the plants that are produced there must follow standards that favor their establishment and development in the field. Plant quality is determined by genetic, physiological and morphological factors as well as by cultivation management. In Colima state, the main forest species that are cultivated are Cedrela odorata (red cedar) and Tabebuia rosae (purple rose). In the actual study is described the assessment of plant quality of eight species in the four forest nurseries of the state: Guayacán, El Peregrino, Silvicol and Las Higueras. Morphological components (aerial part height, neck diameter, humid biomass of the aerial part and root system, and dry biomass of the aerial part and root system) were measured in order to determine sturdiness index, lignification index and stem/root relation; the physiological quality was obtained through nitrogen and carbon content. Data were analyzed through the PASW statistical program.The best results came from Silvicol nursery as it gathers a rather uniform population.

Keywords : Colima; quality index; physiological parameters; morphological parameters; tropical plants; tree nurseries.