Quality levels of organic coffee seedlings in black and white nonwoven fabric (NWF) containers of various sizes

Abstract

The introduction of organic production in coffee growing has demanded an increase for information on seedling production with standard of quality. Hence, the purpose of the present work was to evaluate how the amount of organic substrate in black and white nonwoven fabric (NWF) bags in four different sizes influences the quality index of Coffea arabica L. seedling produced in an organic system. The quality parameters evaluated were leaf area; number of leaves; plant height; collar diameter; dry matter of leaves, stalk, root and total. Whereas the parameters of quantity were the relation between shoot dry matter and root dry matter (RSR); the relation between shoot height and stem diameter (RHD) and the Dickson Quality Index (DQI). Seedlings produced in 1200 mL black containers presented the best results in most of the evaluated parameters. Seedlings produced in 410 mL containers presented Dickson Quality Index of 0.2, which is the index described by other authors as the adequate standard of quality for seedlings.

Alternative Substrate and Recipients for the Production of Arabica Coffee Seedlings

“…This element is essential to establish a productive and sustainable agriculture with reduced costs (Dardengo et al, 2013). Some of the criteria to avoid such loss and evaluation of the crucial characteristics related to the vigor of the coffee seedling are the thick stem, the root system with abundant absorbent roots and the green and shiny leaves (Oliveira & Miglioranza, 2015). The most traded types of seedlings are produced in plastic containers with a volume of 615 cm 3 of polyethylene with substrate contained in its soil, livestock manure enriched with chemical macro and micronitrients and those produced in tubes with a capacity of 280 cm 3 and 120 cm 3 of polyethylene with commercial substrate (Meneguelli et al, 2016).…”