Emergence Speed Research Articles

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Selected Quantitative Traits in Introduced African Yam Bean (Sphenosylis stenocarpa Hochst. ex. A. Rich Harms) Genotypes

A solid understanding of the genetic control of traits within breeding populations is essential for selecting superior genotypes and parent plants for African yam bean (AYB) cultivation. In this study, we explored the phenotypic breeding values and genetic parameter estimates for various traits in 10 introduced AYB varieties. These traits included seed emergence speed (SES), seedling vigor index (SVI), final germination percentage (FGP), seed yield, days to first flower bud initiation (DAYSFBI), days to first flowering (DAYSF), and days to first pod initiation (DAYSPI). We conducted the trial using a randomized complete block (RCB) design with the following varieties: TSs2, TSs60, TSs11, TSs33, TSs282, TSs450, TSs10, TSs432, TSs424, and TSs151B. Traits showing high and medium genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were seed yield (20.7), SVI (12.1), and seed emergence speed (10.8), respectively. Traits with high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) included seed yield (36.8), SVI (22.8), and SES (37.5). The presence of variability in all studied traits was evident from both GCV and PCV values. However, PCV values were slightly higher than GCV, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on these traits. Seed yield exhibited high genetic advance (23.9) and intermediate heritability (31.5%), while SES showed low heritability (8.4%) and low genetic advance (6.5), and FGP displayed low heritability (8.3%) and low genetic advance (2.1). High heritability and genetic advance in certain traits indicate the presence of additive gene action, suggesting that these traits can be improved through direct selection. These findings suggest the presence of valuable variations that can be harnessed for AYB genetic enhancement and selection purposes. Our study results offer valuable insights for the genetic improvement, conservation, management, multi-location evaluations, short-term recommendations, and potential release of new AYB genotypes.

Assessing the Potential Seed Vigor of Rice Varieties

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a fundamental staple crop, feeding billions and sustaining livelihoods worldwide. Amid the global food security context, rice holds a pivotal role, demanding increased efficiency and productivity to meet the dietary demands of a growing global population. Emphasizing seed quality and vigor is crucial in achieving these goals. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) responds to the dynamic agro-climatic conditions by introducing rice varieties tailored to Tamil Nadu's unique agricultural landscape. This research paper examines the seed vigor of TNAU released rice varieties within the seed chain. The study was conducted in a completely randomised design, the study assessed seed vigor in terms of radicle emergence time, mean germination time, germination percentage, speed of emergence, shoot length, root length, days to first count, days to final count, vigour index – I, vigour Index – II, electrical conductivity, and field emergence. Seed vigor also impacts storage potential. This study results shows that the rice varieties were categorized into three groups based on seed vigor. Twelve exhibited high seed vigor potential including ADT 51, CO52, TRY 1, TRY3, TKM13, ADT39, ADT 54, BHAVANI, ASD16, ADT37, ADT43, and ADT 53. Six showed medium potential including CO 53, ASD 19, IW Ponni, TKM 9, ADT 42, and ADT 45. Eight had low seed vigor potential including CO 50, ADT 52, TPS5, VGD 1, ADT 38, ADT 46, CO 51, and MDU 6. These classifications aid informed seed management and cultivation decisions, highlighting the suitability of high-vigor varieties for direct seeding and improved agricultural productivity.

Seedling establishment in a deciduous and an evergreen oak under simulated climate change

Climate change constitutes a major threat to global biodiversity and to the success of natural and assisted tree regeneration. Oaks are among the most emblematic tree species in the Northern Hemisphere, so it is crucial to understand the impact of changing climate on seedling recruitment and early development. In this study, we investigated the effect of air warming on the early development of one deciduous species – Quercus faginea – and one evergreen species – Quercus ilex subsp. ballota. Acorns of both species were seeded in an alluvial valley in southern Spain and subjected to an air warming treatment with Open-Top Chambers (OTC), which increased air temperature by 2 °C. We monitored seedling emergence, growth, chlorophyll concentration, and mortality in the first growing season. The simulated climate change treatment accelerated plant emergence in early spring, reduced spring shoot growth, and increased mortality from ∼ 23 % in control plots to ∼ 40 % inside OTCs. Although Q. ilex and Q. faginea are sympatric species, Q. faginea showed lower performance under simulated climate change in terms of growth. In addition, acorn fresh weight was positively related with the probability and speed of emergence (only for Q. faginea), seedling size, and relative chlorophyll content, and plants that emerged earlier had a greater likelihood of surviving. In short, larger acorns partly counter-balanced the negative impact of temperature increase on plants. This study highlights the importance of understanding plant response to climate change both to forecast potential changes in species composition and to choose adequate species and traits such as acorn size in restoration projects.

Vegetable Seedlings Production Under Seed Magnetization and Use of Magnetized Water

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seed magnetization (SM) and irrigation water (WI), using commercial (CO) and Neodymium (NEO) magnetizers, on the development of seedlings of lettuce, eggplant, cucumber, sweet pepper and okra. Method: The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with 5 treatments for each species, with 4 replications, being T1: irrigation with non-magnetized water; T2: SM-NEO + non-magnetized water; T3: SM-CO + non-magnetized water; T4: non-magnetized seeds + WI-NEO; and T5: non-magnetized seeds + WI-CO. The following were evaluated: emergence speed, emergence time, percentage of emergence, dry matter, root length, stem diameter, number of leaves and plant height. Result and conclusion: For lettuce, WI-NEO showed the best results and, for sweet pepper, SM-CO, irrigating with non-magnetized water. For cucumber, SM or WI provided a reduction in seedling formation time. For eggplant and okra, we recommended SM-NEO and irrigated with non-magnetized water. In general, seed magnetization caused better results than irrigation water magnetization. Implications of research: Quality seedlings produced in short time and at low cost are of great importance for the formation of vegetable crops. Originality/value: Seed magnetization and the use of magnetized water are innovative, low-cost technologies for producing seedlings of high vigor and quality.

Initial growth of seedlings in two yellow melon cultivars with seed reuse

Farmers adopt sowing in melon seedling production using hybrid seeds, which increases production costs, making crop management more expensive. At the same time, small producers reduce these costs by reusing seeds over successive generations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds from two yellow melon cultivars across two generations based on the initial growth components of the seedlings. A 2 x 2 factorial experiment was tested (2 yellow melon cultivars (cv. Gladial and Gold Mine) × 2 generations - F1 and F2), using 5 replicates with 20 seeds per replicate, totaling 100 plants. To determine the physiological quality of the seeds, the following measurements were made: dry mass of the aerial part (g per plant), height of the aerial part (cm), stem diameter (cm), dry root mass (g per plant), germination percentage (%), seedling emergence (%), speed of emergence (index), abnormal seedlings (%) and non-viable seeds (%). The variable values were subjected to analysis of variance with the application of the F-test at the 5% probability level. The cultivars influence the dry mass of the root, emergence percentage, and emergence speed index. The results obtained from the generations show negative effects on various variables, mainly on unviable and abnormal seeds, due to the attack of phytopathogenic fungi. The Gold Mine cultivar presents seeds of better physiological quality and are more vigorous.

Genetic variability of Tachigali vulgaris trees based on seed morphophysiological traits

Tachigali vulgaris is a tree with high potential for energy purposes in Brazil. However, there is little information about genetic variability that can be applied to plant breeding. Here, we quantified genetic variability based on biometric and emergence traits of T. vulgaris seeds from the native population of the Brazilian Amazon. The biometric aspects, moisture content, emergence, emergence speed index, and average emergence time of the seeds were evaluated. Genotypic values and genetic parameters were analysed using the mixed model methodology in a completely randomised design with 12 genotypes and four replications of 25 seeds. All biometric and emergence traits of seeds showed phenotypic and genetic variabilities. Heritability was high for all traits evaluated (0.66 to 0.97), and genetic accuracy showed high experimental precision and reliable results (≥ 0.90). Grouping by the Tocher, unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean and principal component analysis methods based on genetic traits returned four groups: Group 1 by Genotypes 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12; Group 2 by Genotype 3; Group 3 by Genotype 2; and Group 4 by Genotype 11. In addition, Genotypes 1, 3–10 and 12 displayed seeds with superior physical and physiological traits and a high probability of genetic gain. Our findings can be used in the selection and marking of trees with a broad genetic base for seed production and plant breeding of this species.

Magnetopriming enhance germination and seedling growth parameters of onion and lettuce seeds

The main objective of this study was to improve seed quality by using magnetic field (MF) as a priming method to increase germination percentages (GP) and seedling emergence percentages (SEP) in onion and lettuce seeds. MF treatments on pre-hydrated seeds, significantly increased GP (up to 80% for onion, 87% for lettuce) and SEP (up to 76% for onion, 86% for lettuce) in both species. Magnetic treatments in other saying magnetopriming helped to increase germination and seedling emergence speed in treated seeds as well. The shortening of mean germination time allowed the treatments to establish uniform and well-developed seedlings. Our findings indicate that magnetopriming could be used as a pre-germination treatment before sowing.

Customise the seeds, not the seeder: Pelleting of small-seeded species for ecological restoration

Direct native seed planting is a cost-effective and popular approach for restoring degraded terrestrial ecosystems. However, the handling and precision seeding of multispecies mixes with diverse seed sizes, and shapes is logistically complex, requires highly customised equipment and often results in poor seedling establishment. This issue is accentuated in small-seeded species, where handling difficulties and a lack of precision placement result in seed wastage. The agricultural seed sector relies on the application of external material to small seeds to improve handling via seed pelleting. Yet this method has been rarely tested on small-seeded native species for ecological restoration.We pelleted the seeds of 15 small-seeded Myrtaceae species commonly used for seed-based restoration programs and recorded a range of physical traits. Prior to pelleting, each seed batch was tested for purity and viability and processed to improve quality (Pure Live Seed, PLS%). Seedling emergence from pelleted and control seeds was tested in controlled laboratory conditions and at two field sites in Western Australia. We linked seedling's emergence outcomes to the degree of physical modification achieved via pelleting to understand which trait would be responsible for a potential decrease or delay in emergence.Seed processing improved the average quality (PLS%) across all species from 23.4 ± 4.8% to 83.6 ± 2.3%. Seed pelleting, on average, resulted in a 27-fold increase in volume, a 30-fold increase in weight, and a 26% increase in bulk density. Seedling emergence response to pelleting varied among species, but on average, emergence speed was 3.1 days faster (p < 0.001) for pelleted seeds, while final emergence was not significantly different (p = 0.217).The results show that a combination of seed processing and pelleting can be used to increase and standardise seed physical properties for improved handling and precision seeding, with limited consequences on seedling emergence and faster emergence. This novel approach could enable the use of large-scale agricultural seeding equipment for rapid and cost-effective delivery of multispecies native seed mixes in biodiverse global restoration programs.

Temporal Scale and Practices for Production of Pochota Fendleri Seedlings: Comparison Between Methodologies

Objective: This study aimed to describe a methodology that involves obtaining a temporal scale in days, along with the technical information necessary to obtain maximum vigor of Pochota fendleri seedlings when sown in containers and/or Gerbox boxes, as well as their quality. Method: The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replicates, composed of 25 seeds of medium size and light brown color. Result and conclusion: Emergence of Pochota fendleri seedlings grown from freshly harvested seeds of medium size and light brown color sown was 97% at 10 DAS, with emergence speed index of 13.2. Freshly harvested seeds of medium size and light brown color sown are recommended for the production of Pochota fendleri seedlings. Research implications: Obtaining knowledge that guides appropriate practices and the temporal scale is essential for the production of seedlings of native forest species. These seedlings can enhance the success of planting forest stands for timber or non-timber purposes, besides ensuring the establishment and survival to programs for restoration of degraded areas.

Emergence and Structural Characteristic of the Solanum pimpinellifolium in Trays under Different Levels and Types of Substrates

The cultivated tomato is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world, and the preparation of seedlings plays a fundamental role in the success of the crop, which is often plagued by fungi and bacteria from its earliest stages. This study aimed to analyze the emergence speed index and morphological parameters of Wanda hybrid cherry tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum var. pimpinellifolium) in trays with two different types and levels of substrates in a protected environment using certified seeds. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the IFCE—Campus Crato during the months of August and September 2022. Two basic substrates were used to promote germination and emergence: one was the commercial Vivato Slim Plus®, and the other was based on worm humus produced in Minhobuckets kits. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of five doses of commercial substrate (SBC) and earthworm humus (HDM) in the following proportions: S1—HDM; S2—SBC; S3—HDM + SBC (1:1), S4—HDM + SBC (1:3), and S5—HDM + SBC (3:1). The ESI, morphological parameters (SD, PH, ROOTL, and NL), and the dry biomass of the seedlings (LDB, SDB, RDB, and TDB) were determined. Data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and Tukey’s test (0.05) was used; dry biomass data were submitted to square root transformation. For the emergence speed index, SBC (S2) outperformed the others. Regarding the morphological parameters and dry biomass, all substrates yielded satisfactory results, despite not showing a statistical difference between the averages. The substrate S4 produced the best results in all evaluated parameters.

Characterization of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm for Early Seedling Vigour-related Traits under Direct Seeded Condition

In pursuit of boosting rice production while maintaining economic feasibility within resource constraints, the shift from the traditional puddled-transplanted rice system to direct-seeded rice is gaining significance. Early seedling vigour (ESV) is an important character crucial for direct-seeded rice to outcompete and suppress weed growth. This study evaluated hundred rice germplasm accessions for their early seedling vigour-related traits. Mesocotyl and coleoptile lengths, chlorophyll content, alpha-amylase, speed of emergence, shoot and root characteristics, and vigour indices exhibited notable variability as indicated by their high PCV and GCV. Moreover, they were predominantly under the influence of additive gene effects, as illustrated by their high heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean. This suggests that these traits are heritable and could be effectively exploited through selective breeding efforts. Positive correlations were found between seedling vigour and traits like emergence (%), speed of emergence, chlorophyll content, and alpha-amylase activity. Based on PCA, Vigour index-I, II, total seedling length, and chlorophyll contents were regarded as major discriminators in rice germplasm for direct seeded traits. The superior genotypes for seedling vigour such as Honduras and Gharib, could be used as donors in the rice breeding programs to develop direct seeded rice cultivars.

Emergência e desenvolvimento de plantas daninhas em função da profundidade de semeadura e intensidade luminosa

ABSTRACT Understanding weed emergence and development aspects is essential in decision-making for management strategies. The study evaluated the effects of different sowing depths and light intensities on the emergence and development of the weeds Sida rhombifolia and Senna obtusifolia under field conditions. Each species constituted an experiment, and the experimental design used was completely randomized, with four replications. The treatments were arranged in a 6 x 4 factorial scheme, with the first factor corresponding to the six sowing depths (0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 4.0; 8.0, and 12.0 cm) and the second at four light intensities (100%, 70%, 50%, and 30% of sunlight). The seedling emergence was evaluated daily to obtain the emergence and emergence speed index. The height, time to floral induction, and dry matter of plants at flowering were also evaluated. When submitted to different levels of shading, S. rhombifolia seedlings emerge up to 12.0 cm deep. S. obtusifolia seedlings emerge at all sowing depths, even when subjected to different solar radiation intensities. Seedlings of S. rhombifolia and S. obtusifolia emerge less and slower in sowings between 8.0 and 12.0 cm depth and develop better under full sunlight in sowings between 1.0 and 4.0 cm depth. Therefore, greater depths delay the development of both species, which is important information for managing these weeds.

Does Forced Plant Maturation by Applying Herbicide with Desiccant Action Influence Seed Longevity in Soybean?

Herbicides with desiccant actions may be used to anticipate the harvesting of soybean seeds. This technique aims to minimize the negative influence of biotic and abiotic factors on seed physiological quality at the end of the plant cycle. However, forced seed maturation with the application of herbicides can compromise the acquisition of seed quality components, especially longevity. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the physiological quality of soybean seeds subjected to forced maturation with desiccants. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design, with a treatment consisting of soybean plants subjected to the application of herbicides with desiccant action at stage R7.3 and another that underwent the natural process of maturation, that is, without herbicide application. The herbicide used was Paraquat. Seed germination, vigor (first germination count, dry mass, seedling length, time to reach 50% germination(t50), emergence index, and emergence speed), and longevity(P50) were evaluated. The herbicides did not affect germination (normal seedlings). However, the acquisition of vigor and longevity, and the preservation of seed vigor during storage were affected. Thus, the results indicate that the application of herbicide with desiccant action interrupts the process of acquisition of seed physiological quality, notably longevity in soybean seeds.

Yahualica tree seedling chile production (Capsicum annuum) on different substrates and its behavior during the development of the crop

In order to observe the differences between substrates in the production of Yahualica chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) seedling and plant, in the field and greenhouse at the University Center of Cs. Biological and Agricultural of the University of Guadalajara, this investigation was carried out, where six substrates were evaluated: Promix-GLX, Promix-FLX, Sunshine-3, Berger-BN2, Germinaza and 50% Germinaza + 50% Earthworm Humus. In seedlings, the following were evaluated: Emergence Speed, Emergence Percentage, Stem Thickness, Seedling Length, Number of Leaves, Fresh Weight Aerial Part, Fresh Weight root, aerial part dry weight and root dry weight, and during plant development in field and greenhouse: Plant height, and Fresh weight of ripe fruit. Significant differences were found between treatments (P≤0.05) in the seedling and plant quality variables. Consequently with the mixture of 50% Germinaza + 50% Earthworm Humus, Berger BN2 and Sunshine 3, the best seedling quality was obtained. And moreover the best plant development was observed in the greenhouse, with an average plant height of 139 cm and a fresh fruit yield of 651 g. When germinaza was combined with earthworm humus (50:50), the results were significant to obtain vigorous plants, high percentage of emergence.

Physiological quality of jambu (Acmella oleracea) seeds stored in different environments and packages

Jambu (Acmella oleracea [(L.) RK Jansen]) is a vegetable of great importance in the Amazonian region; it can be found in the daily life of the citizens of the State of Pará (Brazil), since it is part of traditional dishes such as duck in tucupi and tacacá sauce. Although jambu is widely cultivated, agronomic information about its management remains scarce. The aim of the current study was to analyze the physiological potential of jambu seeds stored in different packages and environments. The investigated packages comprised glass, Eppendorf tubes, plastic bags and paper bags conditioned in refrigerator and under natural conditions in Castanhal, Pará, for 360 days. Seed germination, first germination count, emergence seedlings, germination and emergence speed index, and seedling dry weight and length were the variables evaluated at 40-day intervals. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replicates of 50 seeds per treatment. Jambu seeds were only influenced by the environment where they were stored; the ones stored under natural conditions recorded decreasing behavior for the investigated variables until they reached zero, after 280 storage days. It was possible to conclude that the physiological potential of jambu seeds stored in refrigerator was better conserved.

PHYLLOCHRON ESTIMATES ON AGRONOMIC POTENTIAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF MILLET

Millet is largely explored for a diversity of applications. The use of millet high-quality seeds is essential to increase grain yield. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield variability of millet plants from higher and lower-quality seeds in the expression of dry matter yield parameters. The study was conducted in the experimental and didactic area of IFRS - campus Ibirubá, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a completely randomized design. The treatments were plants from seeds of higher (HQS) and lower (LQS) quality and two season crops (2015/16 and 2017/18) in eight replications. The emergence speed was applied to identify plants from seeds of different qualities. The phyllochron, leaf number, height, stem diameter, number of nodes, and dry mass yield were the agronomic components evaluated for this study. Meteorological information was used to calculate phyllochron, water deficit, and average temperature. The collected data were submitted for analysis of variance and the Tukey test at a 5% probability of error. The HQS expressed lower phyllochron and most significant agronomic components. Furthermore, the 2015/16 crop had the lowest water deficit and obtained the best results.

Morphometric, weight, viability, and germination analysis of castor bean seeds (Ricinus communis) under two temperature and relative humidity conditions

Objective: To analyze the morphometric, weight, viability, and germination evaluation under two temperature and relative humidity conditions, in sixteen local varieties of castor bean (Ricinus communis) from several states of Mexico (E1-E16), as well as two commercial varieties (k75B and k93B). Design/Methodology/Approach: The following morphometric characteristics were analyzed using a vision system: area, elongation index (EI), and Feret's diameter (FD). Viability and germination tolerance (germination percentage (GP)), germination speed (GS), and emergence speed index (ESI)) were evaluated under two conditions of relative humidity and temperature (T1 - RH 80%/T 20ºC; T2 - RH 30%/T 40ºC), using a completely randomized block experiment design, with four replicates of 75 seeds. Results: There are morphometric differences (EI, area, and FD) between and within the study varieties. There are significant differences between T1 and T2 regarding the following variables: days of radicle emergence (T1: 44.71 and T2:11.6), germination percentage (T1: 48.37 and T2: 56%), ESI (T1: 34.07+12.72 and T2: 77.02+ 23.78), and GS (T1: 9.93 and T2: 24.60). The results obtained show a positive correlation between the morphometric properties and the germination percentage in T1; however, there was no correlation in T2. Study Limitations/Implications: There were no limitations to carry out this study. Findings/Conclusions: The E4 and E15 local varieties obtained a &gt;93% productive potential in T1, while the E3 and E16 local varieties obtained a &gt;78% productive potential in T2. Meanwhile, the k75B commercial variety had a better performance in T1 (89.75%) than in T2 (78.67%).

Effect of glucose on germination performance in two soybean cultivars

Glucose promotes increases in physiological processes related to plant growth and induces cell division and can also act in seed germination. The present investigation has been carried out on the influence of various concentrations of glucose on the germination performance of soybeans seeds of cv. BMX and 66i68. Seeds of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) were treated with three concentrations of the glucose (0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 mmol L-1), and a control with distilled water. Tests of seed germination and vigor were carried out: it was calculated the germination percentage (first and final counting), percentage of normal seedlings; and speed of germination, length of the primary root and the aerial part of seedlings were recorded. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three treatments and five repetitions depending on the test. Increasing doses of the plant growth regulator influence the germination and can increase the speed of germination. The use of glucose in the treatment of soybean seeds, increases the rate of germination and emergence speed, growth of the root system and medium of seedlings. Soybean cultivar BMX seeds showed an increase in physiological performance with increasing glucose dosage.

Produção de mudas de melancia em diferentes substratos sob estresse salino

ABSTRACT Salt stress affects the production of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seedlings. However, substrates with alternative materials in their composition can mitigate the harmful effects on the formation of watermelon seedlings. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the emergence and production of watermelon seedlings grown in different substrates under salt stress. The research was conducted in an agricultural greenhouse belonging to the Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Redenção, Ceará, Brazil. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a split-plot scheme. The plots were five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw: 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 dS m-1) and the subplots consisted of two formulations of substrates (SB1: sandy soil + sand + bovine manure; and SB2: sandy soil + sand + biochar; both in a 1:1:1 proportion on volume basis), with five repetitions of 25 seeds. The increase in the electrical conductivity of irrigation water from 1.5 dS m-1 reduces the percentage, speed index, and mean speed of emergence and increases the mean time of emergence of the watermelon crop. Substrate formulated with biochar reduces the time and increases the emergence indexes, besides enabling higher growth and biomass accumulation of watermelon seedlings. Salt stress reduces the growth, biomass, and quality of watermelon seedlings, but with less intensity with the addition of biochar.

Solar Irradiance in the emergence and the initial development of Arabica coffee seedlings in the south of Goiás

The photosynthesis is considered the greatest physiological process of growth, being essential to the supply of raw material for the development of plants. This work was developed with the objective of evaluating shading meshes (35%, 50%, 80% light retention mesh and in full sun), in the emergence and development of Arabica coffee seedlings (Acaiá do Cerrado, Catuaí Amarelo and Mundo Novo), with three replications, totaling 36 experimental units. The plot consisted of 4 plants, totaling 144 plants. Initially, the percentage of seedling emergence and the emergence speed index (IVE) were evaluated. At 180 days, the plant height, stem diameter of the seedlings, leaf area index of the first fully expanded pair of leaves, root length and number of leaf pairs were evaluated, as well as dry and fresh root and shoot. It was concluded that the 35% shading mesh was the one that best favored the IVE of coffee seedlings. There was no significant difference between the shading grids and between the cultivars in relation to the percentage of seedling emergence and the initial development of seedlings for any of the characteristics evaluated. The production of coffee seedlings in full sun is not recommended in the southern region of the state of Goiás.