Bean Size Research Articles

Indication of Xenia Effect on Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

Cocoa plant generally is classified as cross pollinated plant and self-incompatible plant, then there is indication the presence of pollen influence on cocoa bean quality. This study was aimed to determine the effect of pollen sources (xenia) on the colour and size characters of fresh cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.). This study was done on two stages. The first stage, a treatment of hand pollination of cocoa clones of DR 1, DR 2, DRC 16, KW 264 and ICCRI 03 was applied in this study. There were five treatments of hand pollination: DR 2 x DR 1, DRC 16 x DR 1, DRC 16 X KW 264, DR 1 x DR 2 and ICCRI 03 x DRC 16. Each treatment was repeated four times. Colour parameters of fresh cocoa beans were observed. The second stage consisted of nine hand pollination combinations: TSH 858 x Sulawesi 1, TSH 858 x ICCRI 03, TSH 858 x KW 264, TSH 858 x KW 570, TSH 858 x Sca 6, Sulawesi 1 x TSH 858, Sulawesi 1 x Sca 6, Sulawesi 1 x KW 570 and KW 516 x Sca 6. Each treatment was repeated three times. Size parameters of fresh cocoa pod and beans were observed. The result showed that hybridization using pollen source from bulk cocoa and DR 1 contributed dark colour to fineflavored cocoa. This colour contribution was showed by the increase in the dark fresh percentage of cocoa beans. On the other hand, hybridization using pollen source from fine-flavored cocoa contributed white and pale colour to bulk cocoa. This light colour contribution was showed by the decrease in the percentage of the dark fresh beans. Xenia effect occured on pod weight, pod length, pod girth, bean weight with pulp per pod and bean weight without pulp per pod which was shown by the hybridization with TSH 858 as female parent and weight bean without pulp per pod shown by the hybridization with THS 858 and Sulawesi 1 as female parent. Key word: Xenia, fresh beans colour, fresh beans size, Theobroma cacao L.

ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF SOME ARABIAN COFFEE VARIETIES

The aim of the research was studied some engineering properties of Arabian coffee seeds (Himy, Esmaely and Ma'arepy) varieties to analyze the behavior of the product to design threshing and grading machines. Three categories of the coffee grains were used to measure the main dimensions (length, width, thickness), mass, density, porosity, angle of repose and coefficient of friction. The overall means of volume, geometric diameter, arithmetic diameter, cross-section area and spherisity were determined. The highest frequency length, width and thickness of the coffee been seeds were 10, 7 and 7 mm, respectively. The medium categorize (from 7 - 10 mm) was denser than both small and large sizes of coffee bean as the porosity of that size was lower than those of both small and large sizes. The angle of repose increased with the decrease of coffee bean sizes as the relation with coffee bean seeds spherisity. The coefficient of friction decreased with the increase of coffee bean size at all surfaces. The maximum coefficient of friction was occurred on plywood surface followed by galvanized steel, tin plate, and glass for all categories of the coffee bean seeds.

Effect of zinc and its form of supply on production and quality of coffee beans

In Brazil, the usual forms of zinc (Zn) supply to coffee plants have limitations that compromise the element availability to the plant. This study proposes to test an alternative approach to supplying the nutrient to Coffea arabica L. using trunk implanted zinc tablets. Additionally, the effect of Zn on the production and quality of coffee beans was also evaluated. The highest total coffee bean production was recorded in plants implanted with Zn tablets (TA), while the lowest was recorded in the control treatment, without zinc supply (WZn), reaching a bianual production of 188.2 and 130.1 60-kg bags of processed beans per hectare, respectively. In the treatments where Zn were applied as tablet implantation or as foliage spraying (SZn); the bean size was larger, while the grain electrical conductivity and potassium leaching were lower compared with WZn. Zn supply via tablet implantation into tree trunks provides yield and quality similar to those obtained by foliage spraying. Independent of the form of supply, Zn positively influences the production and quality of coffee beans.

Improving the quality of African robustas: QTLs for yield- and quality-related traits in Coffea canephora

Coffea canephora breeding requires combining sustainable productivity with improved technological and cup quality characteristics. Beverage quality is a complex and subjective trait, and breeding for this trait is time consuming and depends on knowledge of the genetics of its components. A highly variable C. canephora progeny resulting from an intraspecific cross was assessed for 63 traits over 5 years. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling agronomic, technological, and quality-related traits, a genetic map comprising 236 molecular markers was constructed, and composite interval mapping was performed. Beverage quality was evaluated in relation to biochemical and cup tasting traits. QTLs were identified for almost half of the traits evaluated, with effects ranging from 6% to 80% of phenotypic variation. Most of them present a consistent detection over years. The strongest QTLs explained a high percentage of the variation for yield in 2006 (34% to 57%), bean size (25% to 35%), content of chlorogenic acids (22% to 35%), sucrose and trigonelline content (29% to 81%), and acidity and bitterness of coffee beverages (30% to 55%). Regions of the C. canephora genome influencing beverage quality were identified. Five QTL zones were co-localized with candidate genes related to the biosynthesis of the analyzed traits: two genes coding for caffeine biosynthesis, one gene implicated in the biosynthesis of chlorogenic acids, and two genes implicated in sugar metabolism. This is one of the first studies on the identification of QTLs combining agronomic and quality traits in coffee. The high variability of quality traits within C. canephora and the presence of consistent QTLs offer breeders a promising tool to improve coffee cup quality.

Shade coffee in Hawai‘i – Exploring some aspects of quality, growth, yield, and nutrition

In a harsh (Kunia) and an ideal (Kona) growing region of Hawai‘i, sun grown Coffea arabica L. was compared to coffee shaded with varying degrees of black and aluminized shade cloth, macadamia trees, and a novel, spray-on shade composed mostly of kaolin. Shading did not appreciably affect organoleptic quality. Shading resulted in statistically different yields in the macadamia (16% of sun) and kaolin (199% of sun) treatments in the second year compared to full sun treatments in their respective locations, although a negative, linear trend was observed with increased shading. The lack of significant differences in yields between the shade cloth and sun treatments was likely a result of large yield variation among replicates. Bean sizes differed little between shade treatments and the percentage of defects and broken beans were generally not significantly different among the treatments in Kunia. Kona bean sizes and characteristics were not different. Shading reduced surface leaf temperatures and increased specific leaf area but generally did not affect lateral nodal growth. Leaf nutrient concentration differed between treatments.

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica de cultivares de café arábica em Minas Gerais

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a adaptabilidade e a estabilidade fenotípicas para a produtividade de cultivares de cafeeiro do grupo Catuaí, pela metododologia de Annicchiarico. Foram instalados e conduzidos experimentos em Três Pontas, Campos Altos e Capelinha, em Minas Gerais. O delineamento foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e seis plantas por parcela. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por 15 cultivares do grupo Catuaí e cinco testemunhas. As avaliações da produtividade foram realizadas em seis colheitas nas safras de 2003/2004 a 2008/2009. Posteriormente, foi realizada a análise conjunta dos três locais e a avaliação da adaptabilidade e da estabilidade das cultivares. Na safra 2008/2009, foi avaliado o percentual de frutos chochos e a percentagem de grãos em peneira alta. As cultivares Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15, Catuaí Amarelo IAC 30, Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62 e Catuaí Vermelho IAC 72 são mais promissoras, pois aliam maiores estabilidade e adaptabilidade em ambientes favoráveis e desfavoráveis com alta média de produtividade. As cultivares Catuaí Vermelho IAC 100, Catuaí Amarelo IAC 86, Rubi MG 1192 e Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144 têm o mais alto percentual de peneira alta. Todas as progênies têm baixo percentual de grãos chochos

Expression patterns of three α-expansin isoforms in Coffea arabica during fruit development

As a first step towards understanding the physiological role and regulation of the expansin gene (EXP) family in Coffea arabica fruits during growth and maturation, we identified 11 expansin genes, nine belonging to the α-expansin family (EXPA), one EXLA and one EXLB, through in silico analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Within the α-expansin family, three isoforms were selected for detailed examination based on their high expression in coffee fruits or because they were specifically induced during different fruit developmental stages, according to the EST information. The expression patterns were analysed in different fruit tissues (perisperm, endosperm and pericarp) of C. arabica cv. IAPAR-59 and C. arabica cv. IAPAR-59 Graúdo, the latter being a closely related cultivar with a larger fruit size. Accumulation of CaEXPA1 and CaEXPA3 transcripts was high in the perisperm (tissue responsible for coffee bean size) and in the early stages of pericarp development. Transcripts of CaEXPA2 were detected only in the pericarp during the later stages of fruit maturation and ripening. There was no detectable transcription of the three EXPs analysed in the endosperm. The observed differences in mRNA expression levels of CaEXPA1 and CaEXP3 in the perisperm of IAPAR-59 and IAPAR-59 Graúdo suggest the participation of these two isoforms in the regulation of grain size.

On-farm selection for quality and resistance to pest/diseases of cocoa in Sulawesi: (ii) quality and performance of selections against Phytophthora pod rot and vascular-streak dieback

The cocoa industry in Sulawesi, the main region of cocoa production in Indonesia, is threatened by destructive diseases, including vascular-streak dieback (VSD) caused by the basidiomycete Oncobasidium theobromae and stem canker and Phytophthora pod rot (PPR) or black pod, caused by Phytophthora palmivora. Using the considerable genetic diversity of cocoa on farms, host resistance was identified and tested with the participation of farmers. Forty-nine local and international cocoa selections with promising resistance characteristics (as well as susceptible controls) were side-grafted onto mature cocoa in a replicated trial with single-tree plots. Developing grafts were assessed in the dry season for severity of VSD infection, scored from 0 (no infection) to 4 (graft death). All of the 49 clones in the trial became infected with VSD in at least some replicates. Average severity varied from 0.2 to 1.6. Potential VSD-resistance was found in eight clones, including DRC 15, KA2 106 and a local Sulawesi selection, VSD2Ldg. Some of the most susceptible clones were local Sulawesi selections from areas with a history of little or no VSD. Thirty-four pod-bearing clones were evaluated over a 2-year period for yield, quality and resistance to natural infections of PPR. Cumulative PPR incidence for all clones was 22% but varied from 8.6 to 43% among clones. Clones with less than 15% PPR incidence were designated as resistant, including DRC 16 and local Sulawesi selections, Aryadi 1, Aryadi 3 and VSD1Ldg. Scavina 12 was moderately resistant in the trial with a PPR incidence of 23%. Cumulative incidences of the mirid, Helopeltis spp., determined in the same evaluation period, indicated that DRC16 was the most susceptible clone with an incidence of 52% in ripe pods and 23% in immature pods. In comparison, KKM4 showed evidence of resistance to Helopeltis spp., with incidences of 34 and 0.8% in ripe and immature pods, respectively. The impact of diseases and pests (including cocoa pod borer) on bean losses and bean quality varied between clones but generally the bean size (or bean count) was affected more than the fat content or shell content.

COMPORTAMENTO AGRONÔMICO DE PROGÊNIES DE CAFEEIRO (Coffea arabica L.) EM VARGINHA-MG

This work assessed the field performance of compact growth coffee progenies developed by the MAPA/Procafe Foundation breeding program. An experiment was set up at the Procafe Foundation’s Experimental Station in Varginha, Minas Gerais state, using 20 progenies, 16 of which with leaf rust resistance. The evaluations began two and a half years after planting using four repetitions, totalizing 80 plots, each one constituted by four coffee plants. The following characteristics were analyzed: the six first annual harvests (2002 to 2007), husk/bean ratio, cup quality and screen analysis. Crop yield and percentage of moca were assessed in the 2006/2007 annual harvest, while screen classification in 2006/2007 and sensorial classification in 2007/2008. The Sabia Tardio cv 398 presented the highest yield among all the progenies. The progenies of the Catucai group (Catucai Amarelo 24/137 (C.O), Catucai Vermelho 24/137, Catucai Vermelho 20/15 cv 476 and Catucai Vermelho 19/18 cv 221), Sarchimor group (Obata IAC-1669-20, Tupi IAC 4093, Arara F4), and IBC-Palma-1 (3-12), Saira cv 362, Topazio MG 1189 and Catuai Amarelo IAC 74 presented good field performance and are recommended for the Varginha region. These progenies were also considered a good source for genetic breeding programs. The bean size and cup quality of all the progenies were rated good.

Coffee pruning and differents irrigation periods: productivity and quality

An experiment was carried out in Lavras/MG aiming to evaluate the effects of different irrigation periods on total yield, volumetric yield, and bean ripening uniformity from coffee (Coffea arabica L.) (Cv. Topazio, MG1190) that was submitted to a severe pruning 65 months after planting. The orchard was implanted in 1.8 x 0.7m spacing and was drip irrigated. complete randomized experimental design with six treatments and four replications was implemented. Treatments corresponded to six different irrigation periods. Applied irrigation depth was equivalent to 100% of the balance including the evaporation depth from a class A pan and the precipitation depth measured during the time interval between two successive irrigations (ECA-P). Fertilization with nitrogen and potassium was split in 4 applications under canopy throughout the period from October to March. Data from the 2002/2003 2003/ 2004 harvest, were analyzed. Results indicated that accumulated productivity tends to be larger under the treatments receiving irrigation from April to July but retard coffee bean maturation. Irrigation increases the volumetric yield. Coffee quality (bean size and defects) from the first harvest was better than second harvest.

Variações na qualidade e tamanho de sementes de mamona pela época de semeadura e ordem floral

The definition of sowing time is important for agricultural crops because it presents direct relationship with performance of these plants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate size and quality of castor seeds as function of sowing time and floral order, in the EMBRAPA Clima Temperado in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The materials were seeded in two times: the first in November (between days one and five) and the second in December (between days one and five). Each sowing time had 12 units in a block randomized design with three blocks and 72 parcels, considering four cultivars, two periods of sowing, three floral orders and three replications (4 x 2 x 3 x 3). The time of sowing and the floral order influenced the quality and size of castor beans. The period of sowing allowed the production of seeds of better quality of the cultivars IAC Al Guarana 2002 and BRS 188 Paraguay while the second was better for the IAC 80.

Influence of size reduction variation and fermentation time towards cyanide acid contents and phenolic compound in faba bean (Vicia faba) tempeh

Indriyani CS, Handayani S, Rachmawati D. 2010. Influence of size reduction variation and fermentation time towards cyanide acid contents and phenolic compound in faba bean (Vicia faba) tempeh. Biofarmasi 8: 31-36. Tempeh is fermentation product wich very known by Indonesian society and has been familiar with various western society. Tempeh can be made from various ingredient, but usually, tempeh is made from soybean. Due to the increasing soybean price, it has been found another Leguminosae to substitute soybean. One of legume was faba bean, Leguminosae, that generally contains phenol as antioxidant and cyanide acid as antinutrient and toxic material. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of size reduction variation and fermentation time variation of faba beans tempeh production to cyanide acid and total phenol contents. This research used a factorial experiment that arranged in a Randomized Complete Design (RCD) with two experimental factors including size reduction (chopped and sliced) and the time of fermentation (0, 30, 36, 42 and 48 hours). The result showed that cyanide acid content in fermentation of 0, 30, 36, 42 and 48 hours on faba beans tempeh by chopped seeds were 0.060 mg/g, 0.048 mg/g, 0.036 mg/g, 0 mg/g and 0 mg/g, respectively, then on faba beans tempeh by sliced seeds were 0.072 mg/g, 0.036 mg/g, 0.036 mg/g, 0 mg/g and 0 mg/g, respectively. Meanwhile, the content of total phenol on faba beans tempeh by chopped seeds were 0.014750%, 0.149900%, 0.201825%, 0.170400% and 0.234400%, while on faba beans tempeh by sliced seeds were 0.014750%, 0.152650%, 0.178300%, 0.162750% and 0.192620%, respectively. The fermentation time and the size of faba beans seeds affected on cyanide acid and total phenol contents of faba beans tempeh. The longer fermentation time of faba beans tempeh caused lower cyanide acid content and higher total phenol content. The smaller size of faba beans seeds on tempeh caused lower cyanide acid content and higher total phenol content. The lowest cyanide acid content was contained in faba beans tempeh with chopped and sliced seeds with 42 and 48 hours fermentation reached 0 mg/g. The highest total phenol content was contained in chopped faba beans tempeh with 48 hours fermentation reached 0.234400%.

Decaffeination process characteristic of Robusta coffee in single column reactor using ethyl acetate solvent

Consumers drink coffee not as nutrition source, but as refreshment drink. For coffee consumers who have high tolerance for caffeine, coffee may warm up and refresh their bodies. High caffeine content in coffee beans may cause several complaints to consumers who are susceptible to caffeine. One of the efforts, for coffee market expansion is product diversification to decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeination process is one of process to reduce caffeine content from agricultural products. Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute in collaboration with Bogor Agricultural University has developed a single column reactor for coffee beans decaffeination. The aim of this research is to study process characteristic of coffee decaffeination in single column reactor using ethyl acetate (C4H8O2) solvent. Treatments applicated in the research were time and temperature process. Temperature treatment were 50—60OC, 60—70OC, 70—80OC, 80—90OC and 90—100OC. Time treatment were 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, and 12 h Size of Robusta coffee beans used were less than 5.5 mm (A4), between 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm (A3), between 6.5 mm and 7.5 mm (A2), and more than 7.5 mm (A1). The result showed that decaffeination process with ethyl acetate solvent will be faster when its temperature was higher and smaller bean size. For bean size less than 5,5 mm, decaffeination process by 10% ethyl acetat can be done 8—10 hours in 90—100OC solvent temperature or 12 hours in 60—70OC solvent temperature for 0.3% caffein content. Organoleptic test showed that 90—100OC temperature solvent treatment decreased coffee flavor, which aroma, bitterness and body values were 1.9 each . Key words : Coffee, caffeine, decaffeination, quality, single column.

Foreign Body Granulomas after All Injectable Dermal Fillers: Part 1. Possible Causes

Genuine granuloma formation following implantation of injectable dermal fillers is a rare complication, with incidences ranging from one in 100 patients (1 percent) to one in 5000 (0.02 percent). Foreign body granulomas occur several months to years after injection at all implantation sites at the same time. Without treatment, they may grow to the size of beans, remain virtually unchanged for some years, and then resolve spontaneously. Three clinical and histologic types of foreign body granulomas can be distinguished:Permanent implants are not characterized by a higher rate of foreign body granuloma per se than temporary implants; however, their clinical appearance is more pronounced and their persistence longer if not treated adequately.

Added Value Improvement on Arabica Coffee Wet Process MethodUsing Model Kemitraan Bermediasi (Motramed) on Unit Pengolahan Hasil at Ngada Residence - NTT

Ngada Residence is main producen region Arabica coffee in Nusa Tenggara Timur province. There are scattered on district of Bajawa and Golewa, that all of them effort by farmers and low quality, so farmers get low price and coffee development slowly than other coffee region in Indonesia. But, on the other hand, Arabica coffee from this region have potential special taste to be export quality coffee beans. One of way to solve to develop this quality is implementation coffee processing by Wet Process methode and support marketing system better by Model Kemitraan Bermediasi (Motramed). This research started from June until October 2007 at two centre district of Arabica coffee, there are district Bajawa are UPH Fa Masa on Beiwali village, UPH Wonga Wali on Susu village, UPH Papa Taki on Bomari village, UPH Suka Maju on Ubedolumolo village and Kecamatan Golewa are UPH Papa Wiu on Mangulewa village, UPH Meza Mogo on Rakateda II village and UPH Ate Riji on Were I village. This research want to know added value, cost efficiency, and profit on Arabica coffee processing used wet process methode on Unit Pengolahan Hasil (UPH) at Ngada Residence. Data was analysed by approximation added value, R-C Ratio analisys and t-One Sample Test. The result showed that Arabica coffee wet process could improved phisic and taste quality, lower of beans size, higher quality grade, smaller defect beans, moisture content lower, had special taste and very few taste defect. Those quality improvement improved price market to be higher, the added value about Rp4,390,- per kg and improved profit for farmers.Key words : Arabica coffee, wet process, quality, added value, efisiency, revenue.

Differential effects of temperature on fruit development and bean quality of contrasting genotypes of cacao (Theobroma cacao)

AbstractThe effects of temperature and light integral on fruit growth and development of five cacao genotypes (Amelonado, AMAZ 15/15, SCA 6, SPEC 54/1 and UF 676) were studied in semi‐controlled environment glasshouses in which the thermal regimes of cacao‐growing regions of Brazil, Ghana and Malaysia were simulated. Fruit losses because of physiological wilt (cherelle wilt) were greater at higher temperatures and also differed significantly between genotypes, reflecting genetic differences in competition for assimilates between vegetative and reproductive components. Short‐term measurements of fruit growth indicated faster growth rates at higher temperatures. In addition, a significant negative linear relationship between temperature and development time was observed. There was an effect of genotype on this relationship, such that time to fruit maturation at a given temperature was greatest for the clone UF 676 and least for AMAZ 15/15. Analysis of base temperatures, derived from these relationships indicated genetic variability in sensitivity of cacao fruit growth to temperature (base temperatures ranged from 7.5°C for Amelonado and AMAZ 15/15 to 12.9 for SPEC 54/1). Final fruit size was a positive function of bean number for all genotypes and a positive function of light integral for Amelonado in the Malaysia simulated environment (where the temperature was almost constant). In simulated environments where temperature was the main variable (Brazil and Ghana) increases in temperature resulted in a significant decrease in final pod size for one genotype (Amelonado) in Brazil and for two genotypes (SPEC 54/1 and UF 676) in Ghana. It was hypothesised that pod growth duration (mediated by temperature), assimilation and bean number are all determinants of final pod size but that under specific conditions one of these factors may override the others. There was variability between genotypes in the response of bean size and bean lipid content to temperature. Negative relationships between temperature and bean size were found for Amelonado and UF 676. Lipid concentration was a curvilinear function of temperature for Amelonado and UF 676, with optimal temperatures of 23°C and 24°C, respectively. The variability observed here of different cacao genotypes to temperature highlights the need and opportunities for appropriate matching of planting material with local environments.

Effects of shade on the development and sugar metabolism of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) fruits

Coffee fruits grown in shade are characterized by larger bean size than those grown under full-sun conditions. The present study assessed the effects of shade on bean characteristics and sugar metabolism by analyzing tissue development, sugar contents, activities of sucrose metabolizing enzymes and expression of sucrose synthase-encoding genes in fruits of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants submitted to full-sun (FS) and shade (SH) conditions. Evolution of tissue fresh weights measured in fruits collected regularly from flowering to maturation indicated that this increase is due to greater development of the perisperm tissue in the shade. The effects of light regime on sucrose and reducing sugar (glucose and fructose) contents were studied in fresh and dry coffee beans. Shade led to a significant reduction in sucrose content and to an increase in reducing sugars. In pericarp and perisperm tissues, higher activities of sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13) and sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS: EC 2.4.1.14) were detected at maturation in the shade compared with full sun. These two enzymes also had higher peaks of activities in developing endosperm under shade than in full sun. It was also noted that shade modified the expression of SUS-encoding genes in coffee beans; CaSUS2 gene transcripts levels were higher in SH than in FS. As no sucrose increase accompanied these changes, this suggests that sucrose metabolism was redirected to other metabolic pathways that need to be identified.

Predição de valores genéticos aditivos na seleção visando obter cultivares de café mais resistentes à ferrugem

O objetivo do trabalho foi estimar parâmetros genéticos e predizer os valores genéticos aditivos na seleção de progênies F2 de Coffea arabica (" Sarchimor" x (" Icatu" x " Catuaí" )) com mais de cinco genes de resistência à ferrugem. Foram utilizadas 27 progênies derivadas do cruzamento " Sarchimor" PR 75163-7 x (" Icatu" x " Catuaí" ) MRFPB-C-41-1 e a testemunha 'IAPAR 59'. Os caracteres avaliados foram os seguintes: vigor vegetativo, resistência à ferrugem, tamanho de grãos, época de maturação dos frutos e produtividade. A seleção foi realizada a partir do efeito genético aditivo individual para vigor vegetativo e resistência à ferrugem, predito pela metodologia REML/BLUP, que foram os caracteres com variabilidade. O ganho genético aditivo com a seleção de 54 indivíduos (10% de intensidade de seleção) foi de 3,14% para vigor vegetativo e 10,29% para resistência à ferrugem. Concluiu-se que a partir desta população é possível a obtenção de linhagens superiores com resistência à ferrugem e alto vigor vegetativo e que a seleção de plantas individuais a partir de efeito genético aditivo facilita a escolha dos indivíduos geneticamente superiores, maximizando o ganho genético por ciclo de seleção.

INFLUÊNCIA DA ADUBAÇÃO NA FORMAÇÃO DE GRÃOS MOCAS E NO TAMANHO DE GRÃOS DE CAFÉ (Coffea arabica L.)

Four Coffea arabica L. cultivars (Catuai vermelho IAC-99, Icatu Amarelo IAC-3282, Rubi MG-1192 and Acaia IAC- 474-19) were investigated in an experimental area to detect possible influence of fertilization in the formation of “moca” coffee beans and beans size, this determined by their retention in sieves numbered according to the diameter of their holes. Beans were collected at “cherry” stage of maturation. Fertilizers were added in a way that essay 1 received 40% of the recommended dose for essay 2 which received fertilization according to soil analysis; and essay three which received 1.6 times the dose recommended for essay 2. The experimental scheme was a 3 X 4 factorial (three fertilization levels and four cultivars) in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. Each replicate consisted of 50 gram of grains of each treatment, in which “moca” beans were removed by 11/64 x 3/4 sieves (oblong holes). Flattened grains were separated using sieves with round holes between 22/64 and 13/64 in diameter. Grains were collected in all experimental plots during May 2003, washed, peeled and dried in shadow conditions until reaching humidity of 12% (wet base). Parchment was removed and grain size and their variation according to different levels of fertilization was recorded after sifting. It was concluded that fertilization levels influenced the size of flattened grains of cultivars Catuai, Icatu and A caia, and induced a general production of a greater proportion of large grains (screen > 17) in essay 2. However, grain size is affected not only by fertilization levels, but also by other factors as plant nutritional status and the amount of standing berries on the plants in the field. The percentage and number of “moca” berries in cultivars Rubi, Icatu and Acaia increased with the increase of fertilization level (essay 3) and seems to be related to lowconcentrations of Ca and P in leaves.

PRODUCTIVITY CHARACTERISTICS OF PRUNED DRIP IRRIGATED ARABICA COFFEE PLANTS (Coffea arabica L., cv. TOPÁZIO MG -1190)

Irrigated coffee crop ( Coffea arabica L.) studies are quite common but almost no information is available on pruned irrigated coffee crops. This work reports studies carried out in Lavras, Minas Geais, Brazil to evaluate the total yield, volumetric yield, beans ripening uniformity, beans size and defects on several irrigation laminas. Coffee plants (cv. Topazio MG-1190) eavely pruned after 65 months from planting date were irrigated using self compensating drippers placed 0.40 m from each other. Planting was done on a 1.8 x 0.7m spacing scheme under a split plot experimental design with four replicates, where four water lamina were compared in the plots and three N and K fertilization dates in the subplots. Irrigation took place on Tuesdays and Fridays and water lamina used was equivalent to 0% (L0 no irrigation), 40% (L1), 80% (L3), and 120% (L3) of the ballance between evaporation from a class A pan (ECa) and precipitation (ECa-P). Data from the 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 harvests, corresponding to all coffee beans picked from six plants from each replicate, were analyzed. Results indicate that irrigation increased productivity and volumetric yield of beans in both harvests but retarded beans ripening. Coffee quality was better in the first harvest than in the second.