Comparación de tratamientos naturales y químicos en la germinación y desarrollo de especies forestales tropicales

This study evaluated the effects of natural pregerminative treatments (coconut water and Aloe vera gel) and commercial biostimulants (Biotek© and Evergreen©), along with a control (water), on the germination and early development of Schizolobium parahyba, Ochroma pyramidale, and Gmelina arborea. Morphological variables (seedling height, stem diameter, leaf number, root length, robustness index) were assessed at 15, 30, and 45 days after sowing. All treatments achieved germination rates above 79% and survival rates above 90%. While final germination percentages showed no significant differences, variations were observed in emergence timing and initial growth. A. vera and coconut water enhanced height and root development in S. parahyba and G. arborea, whereas Evergreen accelerated emergence in O. pyramidale. The cost–benefit analysis confirmed that all treatments were economically viable (benefit/cost ratio > 1). These findings support the use of natural treatments as effective and sustainable alternatives to commercial inputs for forest seedling production