HYDROGEL AND WATER REGIMES IN THE CHLOROPHYLL- A FLUORESCENCE AND GROWTH OF Campomanesia xanthocarpa SEEDLINGS

ABSTRACT Water availability is one of the most important factors for the growth of tree seedlings in forestry-related regions. We hypothesized that under different water regimes, a water-retaining polymer (hydrogel) can positively contribute to chlorophyll- a fluorescence and growth in Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart.) O. Berg. Four water retention capacities (WRC) were evaluated: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, depending on the presence or absence of hydrogel at the substrate. The lowest WRCs, particularly those under 25% without hydrogel, reduced chlorophyll index and negatively affected the photoch...