Effect of VIUSID Agro® concentrations on the growth of seedlings of Theobroma cacao L

Objective: VIUSDI Agro® is a biostimulant containing amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that has undergone a biocatalytic molecular activation process to enhance its biological activity. In Cuba, its beneficial effects have been demonstrated in various annual crops and coffee plants, but its effect on cacao seedling production is unknown. Design/methodology/approach: To evaluate the effect of VIUSDI Agro® dosage on morphological variables of cacao seedlings, experiments were conducted at the nursery of the Agro-Forestry Research Institute in Tercer Frente, from December 2019 to July 2020 and from October 2020 to June 2021 under shade cloth. In a completely randomized design, six concentrations of VIUSDI Agro® (0, 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8, and 1.0 mL L⁻¹ of water) were, applied monthly via foliar spray. Height, stem diameter, dry mass, leaf area, seedling quality index, and application efficiency were evaluated. Data were processed using a one-way analysis of variance. Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare means. The biostimulant concentration values were correlated with the dry mass efficiency index and the quality index, and the data were fitted to various functions. The one with the highest coefficient of determination was selected. Results: The cacao seedlings responded positively to the biostimulant. Monthly foliar applications of VIUSID Agro® increased the morphological variables of the plants Findings/conclusions: VIUSID Agro® at concentrations ranging from 0.58 to 0.80 mL L -1 of water led to significant increases in cocoa seedlings