Casca de arroz carbonizada para produção de flores comestíveis de amor perfeito

Abstract

Different mixtures of substrates are being used in the production of flowers and ornamental plants in the last years, and pansy (Viola tricolor L.) is a species that has been highlighted in this segment. However the introduction of this flower as a food is still considered new, and as there is no specific technical recommendations for the cultivation of this plant, studies that address the appropriate production system are fundamental. The objective of the study was to evaluate the growth of plants Viola tricolor L. in different concentrations of commercial substrate mixed with carbonized rice husk (CAC), aiming at producing of edible flowers. The experiment was realized in three stages. The first stage was in a greenhouse from July to December 2015, with completely randomized design, with 4 treatments and 10 repetitions, where each replication consisted of 5 plants. The treatments consisted of: T0: (100% SCM®), T1: 3:1 (75% SCM®: 25% CAC), T2: 1:1 (50% SCM®: 50% CAC) e T3: 1:3 (25% SCM®: 75% CAC). The variables plant height, days to flowering, number of leaves and flowers were evaluated. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and mean comparison using the Tukey test (p<0.05). In the second stage were carried out the physico-chemical analisys, antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of flowers pertaining to the witness treatment (T0) e T1. In the third stage, were carried out the sensory analysis of flower in natura and pansy jelly. The use of 25% of CAC associated with commercial substrate does not interfere with the initial growth of pansy plants and floral differentiation. Volumes above 25% of the CAC in the pansy cultivation substrate reduce the growth and slow the floral differentiation, as well as reduce the number of flowers produced. The use of 25% of CAC does not affect the flower’s chemical composition. The consumption of flowers in natura please a small number of judges (28%), however, when the flowers are used for jelly preparation, there is an increase of purchase intent and acceptance of the judges.