Evaluation of the Non-destructive Method Efficiency of Estimating Nitrogen Content in Jambu Plants Grown in Hydroponic System

Abstract

Jambu is considered a leafy vegetable with expressive relevance in the regions that compose the Brazilian Amazon. However, there are challenges regarding its cultivation, particularly for the nutritional management, since there is little technical information that allows an increase in the efficiency of its production. In this sense, nitrogen (N) gains prominence, since it is related to the increased yield and quality of leafy vegetables, therefore its monitoring of N content in plants is necessary. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of using the SPAD index to estimate the N content of jambu leaves, total chlorophyll concentration, as well as its relationship with dry mass accumulation due to the increase of nitrogen concentration in the nutrient solution. The design used was completely randomized with eight replications. The treatments were six nitrogen concentrations in the nutrient solution (11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21 mmol L^-¹). After 21 days of transplantation, the SPAD index was measured. Then, these plants were collected to quantify the total chlorophyll, dry mass and nitrogen content. In general, the variables were explained by increasing linear models. There was a positive correlation between the SPAD index and the other characteristics evaluated. Based on the results, the best response at the concentration of 21 mmol L^-¹ in the nutrient solution stands out. In addition, the SPAD index has potential to be used in the diagnosis of nitrogen status in jambu leaves.