Morphological Development of Agave Under Different Planting Layouts

Abstract

Agave is a perennial xerophytic plant with CAM metabolism, adapted to arid and semiarid regions. This species represents a promising option for the utilization of Brazil’s northeastern semiarid, a region scarcely explored for cultivation due to adverse edaphoclimatic conditions. Despite the widespread ornamental use of agaves and succulents, little is known about seedling production characteristics, especially regarding nutrition in the early months of establishment. Therefore, this study aimed to plant Agave seedlings from suckers and bulbils. The field experiment was conducted in Conceição do Coité - BA, in a 255 m² experimental area arranged in a randomized block design (9 × 4), using Agave sisalana seedlings from suckers and bulbils, as well as hybrid 11648 seedlings from bulbils measuring 30 cm in length. Results showed that proper management, including fertilization and irrigation, is essential for Agave development. Bulbils demonstrated greater vigor and morphological performance, with a possible growth peak observed at 270 days after planting.