Interaction between systemic insecticide and humic substance applied to Conilon coffee seedlings

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate Conilon coffee seedlings treated with a systemic insecticide and a humic substance, both of which have growth-promoting functions. The experiment was conducted in a commercial nursery for the production of Conilon coffee seedlings in the municipality of Linhares, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme with four replicates. Two clones, A1 and K61, were used, and treatments included the use of insecticides alone or in combination with humic substances. Characteristics of roots, shoots, leaves, and cuttings of Conilon coffee seedlings were evaluated. The combined use of insecticides and humic substances resulted in increases of 39.0%, 47.8%, and 20.5% in shoot length, leaf area, and root volume, respectively, compared to the control. Superior production of leaf and aerial biomass was also observed in clone A1 due to the use of the insecticide in combination with the humic substance. It was concluded that clone A1 has better seedling growth compared to clone K61 and that the use of insecticide in combination with humic substances is recommended for the production of Conilon coffee seedlings.