This work aimed to evaluate the variability in the distribution of the root system among genotypes of C. canephora cv. Conilon and indicate management strategies for a more efficient mineral fertilization. Root distribution was evaluated in six genotypes. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with three replications. Soil monoliths measuring about 27 cm3 were collected at six different soil depths, at three row distances and nine distances of inter-row planting. The collections were carried out in one plant of each repetition. In total, 1296 samples were evaluated. The roots were washed, digitized and processed to quantify length density, volume, surface area and diameter. The distribution of the root system was characterized using semivariograms. It was observed that the highest concentration of roots occurred in the distances close to the irrigation drippers. There was variation in the distribution of the root system among the genotypes. However, in general, the root system is concentrated at a depth of 0 to 20 cm in the soil, at distances up to 50 cm in the planting row and up to 60 cm in inter-rows. Therefore, the greatest efficiency in nutritional management can be achieved by applying fertilizers within a radius of 50 cm around the plant.

The adoption of different soil management techniques in coffee plants can alter the phytosociology of the weed community and, therefore, identifying the technique that most contributes to an integrated weed management is fundamental. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the phytosociology of weeds in coffee plants under different soil management techniques. The land was planted in January 2016 with coffee seedlings of the species Coffea arabica L., cultivar Mundo Novo IAC 379-19. The design used was in randomized blocks, arranged in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme, with 3 replications. Two evaluations were carried out: in the rainy season and in the dry season, in 2017. The management techniques applied inter-rows were: i) control (spontaneous vegetation in the area); ii) management with Urochloa decumbens. On the coffee in-rows, the treatments were: iii) coffee husk; iv) organic compound; v) plant residues of U. decumbens; vi) plant residues of U. decumbens with coffee husk; vii) plant residues of U. decumbens with organic compound; viii) control (without coverage). For the evaluations, a square (0.25 m²) was randomly launched and the phytosociological indices were subsequently calculated. The species of the families Poaceae and Asteraceae were the most frequent in the area. The management with U. decumbens inter-rows and the crop residues deposited in the row associated with the coffee husk, or organic compound, decreases the amount and the diversity of weed species.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different soil coverings, fertilizer types, and soil conditioners on the incidence and severity of brown eye spot (Cercospora coffeicola) in coffee (Coffea arabica) during the vegetative stage. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, in a 3×2×5 factorial arrangement (soil coverings × fertilizer types × soil conditioners) in subdivided plots, with three replicates. Comparisons were made among: three soil covering (plastic film, Urochloa decumbens, and no covering) in the plots; two fertililizer types (conventional and controlled release) in the sub-plots; and four soil conditioners (coffee husk, agricultural gypsum, water retention polymer, and organic compound), as well as the control, in the sub-sub-plots. The area under the progress curve for disease incidence and severity showed the lowest mean without soil covering, whereas that for number of leaves was greater with the use of the controlled-release fertilizer. The plastic film provided a greater soil moisture and a lower soil resistance penetration. The chemical composition of the organic compound reduced coffee plants growth. Soil covering with plastic film or U. decumbens favors the high incidence of brown eye spot; however, it provides a greater soil moisture and, therefore, improves the growth of coffee plants in the vegetative stage.

Brazilian coffee production represents an important activity in the country’s agricultural sector and, for this reason, it requires innovative technologies for the production of seedlings, which is one of the most important inputs in crop implantation. Thus, plant cloning by cutting, mineral nutrition via modified hydroponics and the use of alternative substrates appear as technological innovations for seedling production. This study evaluated the production of clonal coffee seedlings in a modified hydroponic system in comparison to the conventional climate-controlled greenhouse system, using vermiculite and phenolic foam as alternative substrates. At the end of the experiment, the seedlings were analyzed for growth (height, stem diameter, number of total leaves, leaf area, root area, shoot and root dry matter) and physiological (chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance) characteristics. For the statistical analysis, a completely randomized design was used in a factorial scheme 2 (types of substrate) x 2 (cultivation systems) with six replications and ten plants per plot. The innovative modified hydroponic system leads to a greater growth of coffee seedlings produced by cuttings in tubes with vermiculite compared to those produced in conventional systems. The substrate phenolic foam can be used alternatively in the air-conditioned greenhouse system. However, in the modified hydroponic system, it is not indicated, as it causes total seedling mortality.

The lack of work force and the damage that weeds can cause to coffee plants are the causes of the growing demand for selective herbicides to be used in coffee farming. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxicity symptoms and leaf anatomical characteristics of young coffee plants submitted to application isolated herbicides and also in associations. An experiment was carried out in a protected environment in randomized blocks: four replicates with coffee seedlings (Coffea arabica L.) cultivar "Topázio MG-1190", grown in pots with a capacity of 11 liters of substrate. The herbicides applied, in isolation, were: pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (0.015 kg ha-1), saflufenacil (0.049 kg ha-1), imazetaphyr (0.1 kg ha-1), iodosulfuron-methyl (0.0035 kg ha-1), chlorimuron-ethyl (0.015 kg ha-1) and sethoxydim (0.184 kg ha-1). The latter was used in associations with the others. In addition, a control without herbicides was used. Phytotoxicity symptoms were evaluated up to 49 days after application (DAA) and anatomical characteristics at 65 DAA. Saflufenacil exclusively and inassociation with sethoxydim caused visual phytotoxicity symptoms in the leaves and negatively influence in the characteristics of the epidermis thickness of the adaxial face (EAD), thickness of the palisade parenchyma (PAP), thickness of the spongy parenchyma (SPP) and thickness of the mesophyll (MES). The other herbicides, isolated or in associations, didn't cause phytotoxicity symptoms, but had negative influence in the anatomical parameters of the leaf blade. However they did not interfere with the paradermic parameters and the vascular bundle.

The development of modified hydroponic cultivation has aroused interest and its use has enabled advantages in several crops, but studies for coffee are still scarce. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate seedling production of three Coffea arabica cultivars (Mundo Novo IAC-376-4, Catuaí IAC-62 Amarelo and MGS Paraíso 2), in a modified hydroponic system, and to compare it with the nursery production system, using plastic polyethylene tubettes and bags. Coffee seedlings in the development phase with cotyledon leaves, were cultivated in both cultivation systems. At 90 days after the implementation of the experiment, the seedlings were analyzed for growth (height, stem diameter, total number, leaf area, root area, root and shoot dry matter weight), and physiological characteristics (chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance). For the statistical analysis, a completely randomized design (CRD) was used in a factorial scheme 3 (cultivars) x 2 (containers) x 2 (cultivation systems), with four replications of ten plants per plot. The innovative production system of coffee seedlings in modified hydroponics, in combination with the use of polyethylene bags, provided greater growth of coffee seedlings with better physiological characteristics. Among the cultivars tested, MGS Paraíso 2 stood out with higher seedling growth (number of leaves, stem diameter and root and shoot dry matter weight).

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