Competition of spontaneous plants with young carica papaya plants in organic production system: nutritional aspects

Abstract

The cultivation of papaya is highly sensitive to the presence of spontaneous plants during the
period of orchard formation. Improvements in agricultural practices and implementation of new
forms of management are desired in organic crops to increase the quality and production of
fruit plants. The objective of the research was to evaluate the response of organic papaya to
competition for nutrients and the nutritional response of the culture submitted to different weed
densities in the juvenile phase. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station of
PESAGRO - RIO, in the municipality of Serópedica - RJ, in a greenhouse, randomized blocks
(2x4). The dry matter of stem, root and leaves was evaluated at the end of the ninety days in
competition with spontaneous plants at the densities of 2,4,6,8 plants per pot. Significant negative
effects on nutrient content were observed in the papaya trees in competition with Black
Picão (Bidens pilosa) and Marly grass (Digitaria insularis).