Influence of lunar phases in the development of the crop of arugula (Eruca sativa Hill) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of cultures of arugula and radish on sowing at different lunar phases, based on the Rhythm Synodical of the moon (first quarter, full, last quarter and new). This experiment was conducted at the Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso (UNEMAT) Campus Universitário de Tangará da Serra. The experimental design was a randomized block design (RBD), with plots of 1.0 x 1.5 m, with four treatments (phases of the lunar cycle) per culture, with 5 repetitions. Each treatment was sown in their respective phase of the moon. The variables analyzed for arugula were the number, width and leaf length (cm), fresh weight and dry weight of leaves (g). For the radish were evaluated the green mass of leaves (g), vertical diameter, horizontal (cm) and fresh weight (g) tubers, and percentage of roots tubers cracked and spongeous. It was found that the phase moon first quarter had significant influence on the number and width of leaves arugula, but the lunar phases were not significant for the development of green mass. For the radish the phase moon first quarter was more significant influence for all variables.