AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF ARUGULA CULTIVATION UNDER SHADE LEVELS DURING THE DRY AND RAINY SEASONS IN RIO BRANCO – ACRE

Abstract

This article aims to evaluate the agronomic performance of arugula (Eruca sativa) under different shading levels during the dry and rainy seasons in Rio Branco - AC. The study was carried out in a completely randomized design with four shading levels (0%, 35%, 50% and 65%) and eight replications, totaling 32 experimental units per season. Morphological and productive variables were assessed, including plant height, number of leaves, fresh mass, and shoot and root dry mass, and the data were analyzed using analysis of variance and regression. Plant height increased as shading intensified, indicating etiolation, whereas stem diameter and dry mass production decreased under higher shading levels. Root dry mass showed a significant interaction between season and shading, with greater accumulation under full-sun conditions. Overall, intermediate shading may be adopted in the dry season, while in the rainy season full-sun cultivation promotes better development and reduces excessive etiolation.