EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOIL WATER STRESS LEVELS ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF <em>Cedrela fissilis</em> Vellozo AND <em>Aspidosperma polyneuron</em> Müller Argoviensis

Abstract

The influence of different levels of soil water stress on the growth and development of two native species from the northwest region of the State of Paraná was investigated under controlled conditions. The Cedrela fissilis Vellozo and Aspidosperma polyneuron Müller Argoviensis seedlings were cultivated during 120 and 210 days respectively. The foreseen treatments corresponded to 3 water levels available for plants: treatment 1 (T-1) with soil moisture between 100% and 40% of field capacity (FC); treatment 2 (T-2) with soil moisture between 100% and 70% of field capacity (FC); treatment 3 (T-3), with soil moisture of field capacity (FC). As parameters for the seedling growth and development the number of leaves, the leafage area, the dry matter of leaves and roots were evaluated. The soil water stress (T-1) affected growth and development of Cedrela fissilis resulting in significant reduction of the values of the parameters studied. On the other hand, the soil water stress did not affect the Aspidosperma polyneuron seedlings. Their better tolerance to water stress in relation to Cedrela fissilis may be justified by an efficient morpho-physiological adaptation.