Genome-wide association study for resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae in Coffea arabica.

Bacteria halo blight (BHB), a coffee plant disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. garcae, has been gaining importance in producing mountain regions and mild temperatures areas as well as in coffee nurseries. Most Coffea arabica cultivars are susceptible to this disease. In contrast, a great source of genetic diversity and resistance to BHB are found in C. arabica Ethiopian accessions. Aiming to identify quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with resistance to BHB and the influence of these genomic regions during the domestication of C. arabica, we conducted an analysis of population structure and a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). For this, we used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and phenotyping for resistance to BHB of a panel with 120 C. arabica Ethiopian accessions from a historical FAO collection, 11 C. arabica cultivars, and the BA-10 genotype. Population structure analysis based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers showed that the 132 accessions are divided into 3 clusters: most wild Ethiopian accessions, domesticated Ethiopian accessions, and cultivars. GWAS, using the single-locus model MLM and the multi-locus models mrMLM, FASTmrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, and ISIS EM-BLASSO, identified 11 QTNs associated with resistance to BHB. Among these QTNs, the four with the highest values of association for resistance to BHB are linked to g000 (Chr_0_434_435) and g010741 genes, which are predicted to encode a serine/threonine-kinase protein and a nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR), respectively. These genes displayed a similar transcriptional downregulation profile in a C. arabica susceptible cultivar and in a C. arabica cultivar with quantitative resistance, when infected with P. syringae pv. garcae. However, peaks of upregulation were observed in a C. arabica cultivar with qualitative resistance, for both genes. Our results provide SNPs that have potential for application in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) and expand our understanding about the complex genetic control of the resistance to BHB in C. arabica. In addition, the findings contribute to increasing understanding of the C. arabica domestication history.

Virulence and Reproductive Fitness of Meloidogyne paranaensis Field Populations in Coffee Genotypes.

The aim of this study was to characterize Meloidogyne paranaensis populations collected from infested coffee crops. Methodologies used to characterize the 11 studied populations from municipalities in Paraná and Minas Gerais States involved the morphological analysis of perineal patterns, biochemical analysis by isozyme electrophoresis, sequencing of internal transcribes spacer 1 (ITS-1) and D2/D3 ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions, reproductive fitness, and virulence characterization in coffee genotypes. Morphological evaluations showed the existence of variation between populations, although the majority of them showed typical perineal patterns. The biochemical identification was based on α-esterase isozyme analyses and resulted in the appearance of three distinct profiles: P1 (typical), P2 (atypical), and a nondescribed profile, P2b. BLAST of the ITS-1 and D2/D3 rDNA regions indicated homology (>95%) with other sequences deposited in GenBank. For reproductive fitness and virulence characterization, 13 coffee genotypes (5 Coffea arabica and 8 C. canephora) were inoculated with 11 M. paranaensis populations. Variation in the reproductive fitness of populations was observed for cultivar Mundo Novo, a genotype without resistance genes, and variation in the virulence of populations was observed in genotypes carrying resistance genes. Three populations exhibited virulence combined with high reproductive fitness, while one showed virulence with low reproductive fitness. Some hosts were resistant to 11 populations, while one of the hosts was resistant to only one population, indicating the presence of different resistance genes. Nevertheless, no relationship was observed between the origin of population and their variations in perineal patterns, esterase profiles, phylogeny, or reproductive fitness in coffee genotypes, or between the different characterizations, although differences were observed within each characteristic.

Correction to: Arabica coffee fruits phenology assessed through degree days, precipitation, and solar radiation exposure on a daily basis.

The article was published with an erroneous rendering of Table 1. The correct rendering of this table is provided below. The original article has been corrected.

Population structure and genetic relationships between Ethiopian and Brazilian Coffea arabica genotypes revealed by SSR markers.

Information about population structure and genetic relationships within and among wild and brazilian Coffea arabica L. genotypes is highly relevant to optimize the use of genetic resources for breeding purposes. In this study, we evaluated genetic diversity, clustering analysis based on Jaccard's coefficient and population structure in 33 genotypes of C. arabica and of three diploid Coffea species (C. canephora, C. eugenioides and C. racemosa) using 30 SSR markers. A total of 206 alleles were identified, with a mean of 6.9 over all loci. The set of SSR markers was able to discriminate all genotypes and revealed that Ethiopian accessions presented higher genetic diversity than commercial varieties. Population structure analysis indicated two genetic groups, one corresponding to Ethiopian accessions and another corresponding predominantly to commercial cultivars. Thirty-four private alleles were detected in the group of accessions collected from West side of Great Rift Valley. We observed a lower average genetic distance of the C. arabica genotypes in relation to C. eugenioides than C. canephora. Interestingly, commercial cultivars were genetically closer to C. eugenioides than C. canephora and C. racemosa. The great allelic richness observed in Ethiopian Arabica coffee, especially in Western group showed that these accessions can be potential source of new alleles to be explored by coffee breeding programs.

Arabica coffee fruits phenology assessed through degree days, precipitation, and solar radiation exposure on a daily basis.

Knowledge regarding reproductive cycle duration is important in terms of scheduling harvests and estimating coffee cultivars adaptability. Nine Coffea arabica cultivars were evaluated during two successive reproductive cycles. Dates of occurrence of the major blossoms, and the green and ripe fruits, on 64 branches for each cultivar, were registered during each reproductive cycle. These dates were used to calculate the duration of the fruit development (blossom to green) and ripening (green to ripe) phases, the quantities of degree days, precipitation, and solar radiation accumulated throughout each phase, and also degree days, precipitation, and radiation on a daily basis, all of which are novelties in coffee research. The differences between cultivars and reproductive cycles were tested by ANOVA. Cultivars were grouped in clusters according to the above-cited variables. Principally, the daily quantities of degree days and precipitation determined the differences between reproductive cycles and coffee cultivars during development phases. Early and very early cultivars accumulated high numbers of degree days.day-1, in periods of relatively good water availability, with high exposure to solar radiation. Late cultivars accumulated less degree days.day-1 and were exposed to lower amounts of daily solar radiation and longer periods of water scarcity. Regarding the fruit ripening phase, cultivars were principally distinguished by degree days and solar radiation on a daily basis. Two of the coffee cultivars were classified or confirmed as early and very early and another three as late and very late. One cultivar, Siriema, displayed an interesting conjugation of early and intermediate characteristics.

Rust resistance in Arabic Coffee cultivars in northern Paraná

The objective of the study was to evaluate the resistance to rust in coffee cultivars developed by research institutes of Brazil in Paraná state. Resistance to the local leaf rust races was assessed in high disease intensity field conditions at Londrina and Congonhinhas in 2009 and 2010.The cultivars were developed by the EPAMIG/UFV, IAPAR, IAC and MAPA/Procafé. The resistant standard 'IAPAR 59' and the susceptible standards Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144' and 'Bourbon Amarelo' were used. A randomized block design with three replications and plots with 10 plants was used. A scale from 1 to 5 based on the rust intensity was used to evaluate the resistance. The Catiguá MG 1, Catiguá MG 2, IAPAR 59, IPR 98, IPR 104, Palma II, Paraíso H-419-10-6-2-5-1, Paraíso H-419-10-6-2-10-1, Paraíso H-419-10-6-2-12-1, Pau Brasil MG 1 and Sacramento MG 1 cultivars presented complete resistance to rust at Londrina and Congonhinhas. The cultivars derived from the Catucaí germplasm were susceptible or showed different levels of partial resistance. Partial resistance to the rust was observed in several coffees derived from "Hibrido de Timor". 'Acauã' and 'Obatã IAC 1669-20' presented complete resistance at Londrina, but at Congonhinhas, they were partially resistant, indicating that different rust races have occurred at these two locations.

Coffee Berry Borer Resistance in Coffee Genotypes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the coffee germplasm of the Paraná Agronomic Institute (IAPAR) for resistance to the coffee-berry-borer. Preliminary field evaluation was performed in August 2004 and the fruits of less damaged genotypes in the field were evaluated under controlled condition with obligated and free choice experiments established in a randomized complete design with three replications. The genotypes were evaluated fifteen days after infestation with one borer per fruit in Petri dishes. The data were analyzed by the Scott-Knott means test at 1 percent and by the χ2 test. Statistical analysis indicated that Coffea kapakata, Psilanthus bengalensis, C. eugenioides and genotypes with C. eugenioides genes were resistant. These genotypes presented low frequency of bored grains. C. eugenioides and C. kapakata could present resistance at epicarp level but not in the grain. P. bengalensis could present resistance also in the grains.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar fontes de resistência genética a H. hampei em diferentes espécies de café do banco de germoplasma do Instituto Agronômico do Paraná (IAPAR), Londrina, PR. Foram realizadas avaliações preliminares de campo, para posterior testes de confinamento e de livre escolha, em laboratório, instalados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três repetições. Os genótipos foram avaliados quinze dias após a infestação com uma broca por fruto em placas de petri. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de médias Scott-Knott a 1 por cento e pelo teste de χ2. Foi observado que C. eugenioides, C. kapakata e P. bengalensis constituem importantes fontes de resistência à broca, pois apresentaram menor freqüência de grãos brocados. Os dois primeiros podem apresentar substâncias voláteis antagônicas à broca na casca e a resistência de P. bengalensis pode estar também no grão.

Progênies de Coffea arabica cv. IPR 100 com resistência ao nematóide Meloidogyne incognita raça 1 / Progenies of Coffea arabica cv. IPR 100 with resistance to nematode Meloidogyne incognita race 1

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, identificar progênies de Coffea arabica cv. IPR 100 com resistência ao nematóide Meloidogyne incognita raça 1. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação (Londrina, PR, Brasil) no delineamento em blocos ao acaso com 3 repetições e parcelas com 15 plantas. Foram avaliadas seis progênies da cultivar IPR 100 e a cultivar Mundo Novo IAC 376-4 foi utilizada como padrão suscetível. Foram inoculados 500 ovos por planta, totalizando 7500 ovos por parcela de 150 cm². Foi avaliado o número de galhas e massas de ovos presentes nas raízes. As seis progênies da cultivar IPR 100 foram mais resistentes ao M.incognita raça 1 do que o padrão suscetível.

The objective of this study was to identify progenies of Coffea arabica cv. IPR 100 with resistance to nematode Meloidogyne incognita race 1. The experiment was performed in greenhouse (Londrina, PR, Brazil) with an experimental design of randomized blocks with 3 replications and 15 plants per plot. Six progenies of cultivar IPR 100 were evaluated, and Mundo Novo IAC 376-4 cultivar was used as susceptible control. Five hundred eggs per plant were inoculated, totalizing 7500 eggs per plot of 150 cm². The number of galls and egg masses in the roots were evaluated. All progenies of cultivar IPR 100 presented more resistance to M.incognita race 1 than the susceptible control.

Resistência parcial à necrose dos frutos em genótipos de café arábica / Partial resistance to fruit necrosis in arabic coffee genotypes

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se identificar em genótipos de café arábica (Coffea arabica L.) fontes de resistência à necrose de frutos em condições de campo. As variáveis resistência à necrose de frutos ("NF"), quantidade média de frutos por nó produtivo ("FN") e índice de luminosidade dentro da copa da planta ("LUM") foram avaliadas em ensaio de campo no IAPAR (Londrina), em dezembro de 2004, em cafeeiros com três anos de idade. Foi avaliada a variável "NF", atribuindo notas de 1 a 5 sendo 1 para plantas com 0 por cento a 5 por cento de frutos necrosados. "FN" foi avaliada seguindo uma escala de notas de 1 a 5, onde 1 representa plantas com 0 a 3 frutos/ nó e nota 5 com mais do que 15 frutos/ nó. A avaliação da variável "LUM" foi visual e seguiu as notas de 1 a 5, onde 1 representa plantas com pouca luminosidade dentro da copa da planta. Dos 19 genótipos avaliados, 2 apresentaram moderada resistência, 7 moderada suscetibilidade, 5 suscetíveis e 5 altamente suscetíveis. As cultivares Obatã IAC 1669-20 e Catucaí Vermelho 4-79 apresentaram o melhor nível de resistência parcial de campo, ou seja, com moderada resistência à necrose de frutos associada ao Colletotrichum spp.

The aim of this research was to identify in Coffea arabica L. coffee genotypes resistance sources to fruit necrosis in field conditions. The variables fruit necrosis ("NF"), fruits per productive nodes average ("FN") and luminosity index inside of the plant canopy ("LUM") were evaluated in field assay at IAPAR (Londrina), in December 2004 on three years old coffee trees. The "NF" variable were evaluated attributing scores from 1 to 5, where score 1 represented plants with 0 to 5 percent of necrosed fruits. "FN" were evaluated following a score scale from 1 to 5, where score 1 represented plants with 0 to 3 fruits/ node and score 5 with more than 15 fruits/ node. The evaluation of the variable "LUM" was visual and followed the scores from 1 to 5, where score 1 represented plants with low luminosity inside the canopy. Out of the 19 evaluated coffee genotypes, 2 presented moderate resistance, 7 moderate susceptibility, 5 susceptibility and 5 high susceptibility. The cultivars Obatã IAC 1669-20 and Catucaí Vermelho 4-79 presented the best level of partial field resistance, or either, with moderate resistance to fruit necrosis associated to Colletotrichum spp.

Correlação entre a necrose de frutos associada ao Colletotrichum spp. com as características frutos por nó e produtividade entre genótipos de café arábica / Correlation between fruit necrosis associated to Colletotrichum spp. with the fruits per node and yield traits of arabic coffee

O fungo Colletotrichum spp. vem sendo associado à graves perdas para a cafeicultura brasileira. Objetivou-se neste trabalho verificar a existência de relação entre a variável necrose de frutos associada ao Colletotrichum spp. ("COL") com a quantidade média de frutos por nó produtivo ("FN") e com a produção ("PRD") em genótipos de café arábica. O ensaio de campo foi realizado no IAPAR (Londrina, PR, Brasil) em dezembro de 2004 e em cafeeiros com três anos de idade. A variável "COL" foi avaliada atribuindo-se notas de 1 a 5, onde 1 representam plantas com 0 por cento a 5 por cento de frutos necrosados. "FN" foi avaliada seguindo uma escala de notas de 1 a 5, onde 1 representa plantas com 0 a 3 frutos/ nó e nota 5 com mais do que 15 frutos/ nó. A avaliação visual subjetiva da produção foi estimada em litros de frutos em estádio cereja, por planta. A correlação de Pearson foi estimada para avaliar a existência de associações entre as variáveis. Foram observadas correlações positivas e significativas a 1 por cento entre "COL" e "FN" e entre "COL" e "PRD". A necrose de frutos foi mais intensa em cafeeiros com mais produção e com mais frutos por nó produtivo. Sugere-se que a avaliação da resistência de campo à necrose dos frutos associada à presença de Colletotrichum spp. seja realizada em cafeeiros com alta produção e com alta quantidade de frutos por nó produtivo.

Different fungi species of genus Colletotrichum has been associated with losses to the Brazilian coffee crop. The aim of this research was to evaluate the association between the variable fruit necrosis associated to Colletotrichum spp. ("COL") with the fruits per productive node average ("FN") and between "COL" and the yield ("PRD") in Coffea arabica L. genotypes. The field assay was evaluated at IAPAR (Londrina, PR, Brazil), in December 2004 and on coffee trees with three years old. The "COL" variable was evaluated attributing scores from 1 to 5, where score 1 represents plants with 0 percent to 5 percent of necrosed fruits. "FN" was evaluated following a score scale from 1 to 5, where score 1 represents plants with 0 to 3 fruits/ node and score 5 with more than 15 fruits/ node. The yield per plant was estimated by visual evaluation in liters of cherry fruits per plant. The Pearson's coefficient of correlation was estimated to evaluate the associations between variables. Positive and significant correlations were observed at 1 percent between "COL" x "FN" and between "COL" x "PRD". The fruit necrosis was higher on coffees with higher yield and higher number of fruits per productive node. It is suggested that the field evaluation for resistance to fruit necrosis would be better if accomplished on coffee trees with high yield and high number of fruits per productive node.

Resistance to leaf rust in coffee carrying S H3 gene and others S H genes

The aim of this work was to evaluate the resistance to rust in coffee carrying S H3 gene and other S H genes. Twenty one CIFC’s coffee trees with several resistance genes S H were evaluated in field conditions. All the evaluated coffees carrying Sh3 gene presented resistance to the rust. It was possible that rust races with the virulence gene v3 in the Paraná State didn’t exist. The S H3 gene in combination with genes S H5, S H6, S H7, S H8, S H9 and S H? would be very important to obtain cultivars with more durable resistance to the rust.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência à ferrugem em cafeeiros portadores do gene S H3 e outros genes S H em Londrina, Paraná, Brasil. Foram avaliados vinte e um cafeeiros do CIFC com diferentes genes S H de resistência em condição de alta incidência natural em campo. Todos os cafeeiros avaliados portadores do gene S H3 apresentaram resistência à ferrugem. É possível que não existam raças de ferrugem com o gene de virulência v3 no Paraná. Plantas portadoras do gene S H3 em combinação com os genes S H5, S H6, S H7, S H8, S H9 e S H? seria muito importante para obter cultivares com resistência mais durável à ferrugem.

Selection for durable resistance to leaf rust using test-crosses on IAPAR-59 and Tupi IAC 1669-33 cultivars of Coffea arabica

The aim of this study was to identify plants of the IAPAR-59 and Tupi IAC 1669-33 coffee cultivars with less defeated resistance genes by the rust races present at IAPAR (Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil) using test-crosses. Eighteen test-crosses derived from hybridizations between 'IAPAR-59' or 'Tupi IAC 1669-33' with susceptible coffee to the rust disease were evaluated. Six hybrids were used as susceptible standards originated from hybridizations between two susceptible coffee plants. Many parental plants of the 'IAPAR-59' and 'Tupi IAC 1669-33' presented more defeated resistance genes against rust races present at IAPAR than others of these cultivars or the genes were in heterozygous, because of segregant susceptible plants observed in some test-crosses. The test-crosses were very efficient to identify plants with less defeated resistance genes to the H. vastatrix. Coffee plants considered resistants would must be made test-crosses to verify which plants presented less and/or more defeated genes in homozygous.

A ferrugem é uma das principais doenças do café. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar plantas das cultivares IAPAR-59 e Tupi IAC 1669-33 com menos genes de resistência quebrados às raças de ferrugem presentes no IAPAR (Londrina, Paraná, Brasil) através de cruzamentos testes. Foram avaliados 18 cruzamentos testes derivados dos cruzamentos de 'IAPAR-59' ou 'Tupi IAC 1669-33' com cafeeiros suscetíveis à ferrugem. Seis híbridos foram usados como testemunhas suscetíveis derivados do cruzamento de dois cafeeiros suscetíveis. Muitas plantas da 'IAPAR-59' e 'Tupi IAC 1669-33' apresentam mais genes de resistência quebrados pelas raças de ferrugem presentes no IAPAR do que outras dessas cultivares ou os genes estão em heterozigoze, pois foram observadas muitas plantas segregantes suscetíveis em alguns cruzamentos testes. Os cruzamentos testes são muito eficientes para selecionar plantas com menos genes de resistência à ferrugem quebrados. Em cafeeiros de cultivares considerados resistentes deveriam ser feitos cruzamentos testes para verificar quais plantas apresentam menos genes de resistência quebrados ou mais genes em homozigoze.

Partial resistance to fruit necrosis associated to Colletotrichum spp. among arabic coffee genotypes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance to fruit necrosis associated to Colletotrichum spp. in Coffea arabica L.. Twenty-two arabic coffee genotypes were performed in a randomized block design, with three replications and ten plants per plot. They were evaluated for the variables fruit necrosis, luminosity index inside of the plant canopy and fruits per productive nodes of the plants. There was genetic variability for the resistance to fruit necrosis. Different partial resistance levels, varying from highly susceptible (score = 3.89) to moderately resistant (score = 1.77) were observed. The genotypes that presented moderate resistance were the cultivars IPR-100, IPR-103, IPR-105 and IPR-108 and the coffee selection IAPAR-00023.

Diferentes espécies de fungo do gênero têm sido associadas a perdas na cafeicultura brasileira. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência à necrose de frutos associada ao Colletotrichum spp. em Coffea arabica L.. Vinte e dois genótipos de café foram avaliados no delineamento em blocos ao acaso com três repetições e dez plantas por parcela. As avaliações foram realizadas no IAPAR, Londrina, em janeiro de 2004 para as variáveis necrose de frutos, índice de luminosidade dentro da copa da planta e frutos por nó produtivo. Existe variabilidade genética em cafeeiros arábicos para a resistência à necrose de frutos. Foi observado diferentes níveis de resistência parcial, variando de altamente suscetível (nota = 3,89) a moderadamente resistente (nota = 1,77). Os genótipos que apresentaram moderada resistência foram as cultivares IPR-100, IPR-103, IPR-105 e IPR-108 e a seleção de café IAPAR-00023.

Porta enxertos de café robusta resistentes aos nematóides Meloidogyne paranaensis e M. incognita raças 1 e 2 / Robusta coffee rootstocks resistants to Meloidogyne paranaensis and M. incognita races 1 and 2

No Estado do Paraná, os nematóides mais danosos para o café são Meloidogyne paranaensis e M. incognita raças 1 e 2. A enxertia de cultivares suscetíveis de Coffea arabica sobre C. canephora resistentes tem sido bem sucedida, especialmente com o porta-enxerto Apoatã IAC-2258, porém existe segregação para a resistência. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar cafeeiros de C. canephora var. robusta com resistência simultânea aos nematóides M. parnaensis e M. incognita raças 1 e 2. Avaliaram-se 24 genótipos de C. canephora na metodologia de Taylor, no delineamento em blocos ao acaso com três repetições e parcelas de 30 plantas. Como testemunha suscetível utilizou-se a cultivar Mundo Novo IAC 376-4. As variáveis avaliadas foram incidência dos nematóides e volumes radicular. Os níveis de resistência encontrados entre as plantas foram resistente, moderadamente resistente e suscetível. Foram identificados seis genótipos do porta-enxerto C. canephora var. robusta com resistência, provavelmente em homozigoze, para os nematóides M. paranaensis, M. incognita raça 1 e M. incognita raça 2, todos com bom volume radicular. As plantas mães desses seis melhores genótipos serão propagadas vegetativamente e usadas para formar campo de sementes de cultivares porta-enxertos.

The Meloidogyne paranaensis and M. incognita races 1 and 2 are the most pathogenic root knotnematodes of coffee crop in Paraná state, Brazil. The use of susceptible arabica cultivars on resistantrootstock robusta cultivars, especially cultivar Apoatã IAC-2258 of Coffea canephora var. robusta, hasbeen successful, but there are segregations to susceptible ones. The aim of this research was to identify C. canephora var. robusta coffee trees with simultaneous resistance to M. paranaensis, M. incognitaraces 1 and 2. Twenty-four C. canephora genotypes were evaluated using Taylor ́s evaluation method,conducted in randomized blocks design with three replications and 30 plants per plot. The cultivarMundo Novo IAC 376-4 was used as susceptible standard. The variables evaluated were nematodesincidence and root volume. The resistance levels founded among plants were resistant, moderatelyresistant and susceptible. Six genotypes of C. canephora var. robusta with simultaneous resistance,probably in homozygous, to M. paranaensis, M. incognita race 1 and M. incognita race 2 were found,all with good root volume. The mother plants of these six better treatments will be vegetatively propagatedand used to begin seed production of rootstock cultivars

Avaliação da viabilidade de sementes de café por exsudatos / Evaluation of the coffee seeds viability by exudates

Existe uma grande necessidade de testes que possibilitem uma avaliação rápida e segura da qualidade das sementes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o coeficiente de correlação existente entre a germinação de sementes de café e a liberação de exsudato marrom. Utilizaram-se placas de Petri e papel-toalha umedecido onde foram colocadas as sementes. Os materiais foram obtidos de lotes de sementes com vários níveis de envelhecimento. Foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos ao acaso com 7 repetições e parcelas constituídas de 10 sementes. Obtiveram-se correlações negativas altas e significativas a 1 entre a germinação e vigor germinativo com a liberação de exsudato marrom. As análises de variância indicaram diferenças significativas na germinação entre sementes de diferentes graus de envelhecimento em relação aos exsudatos marrons. A vantagem desta técnica é avaliar o poder germinativo em poucas horas, sem o uso de mão-de-obra especializada e equipamentos caros.

A quick evaluation of the germination quality of the seeds is very important for coffee growers. The aimof this research was to estimate the correlation coefficient between the germination and the liberation ofbrown exudates of coffee seeds with different times after preparation. Petri dishes and humid filter wereused to place the seeds. The seeds were obtained from lots of seeds with several aging degrees. Theexperimental design used was in randomized blocks with seven replications and plots constituted by 10seeds. High negative correlations (P=0.01) were obtained between the germination and germinativevigour with the liberation of brown exudates at different times. The variance analyses indicated significantdifferences to germination among seeds of different aging degrees at different evaluation times. Theadvantage of this technique is to evaluate the germinative quality in six or twelve hours, without the useof specialized labour and expensive equipments