Phenotypic Plasticity Index as a Strategy for Selecting Water-Stress-Adapted Coffee Genotypes.

The adaptive potential of plants is commonly used as an indicator of genotypes with higher breeding program potential. However, the complexity and interaction of plant metabolic parameters pose a challenge to selection strategies. In this context, this study aimed to explore phenotypic plasticity within the germplasm of Hybrid Timor coffee. Additionally, we assessed the utility of the multivariate phenotypic plasticity index (MVPi) as a promising tool to predict genotype performance across diverse climatic conditions. To achieve this, we evaluated the performance of seven accessions from the Hybrid Timor germplasm in comparison to the Rubi and IPR 100 cultivars, known for their susceptibility and resistance to drought, respectively. The experiment took place in a greenhouse under two conditions: one with normal soil moisture levels near maximum capacity, and the other with a water deficit scenario involving a period of no irrigation followed by rehydration. Data on physiological and biochemical factors were collected at three stages: before applying the water deficit, during its imposition, and after rehydration. Growth data were obtained by the difference between the beginning and end of the experimental period Furthermore, field evaluations of the productivity of the same genotypes were carried out over two consecutive seasons. Based on physiological and biochemical assessments, the MVPi was computed, employing Euclidean distance between principal component multivariate analysis scores. Subsequently, this index was correlated with growth and productivity data through linear regressions. Our findings reveal that the plastic genotypes that are capable of significantly altering physiological and biochemical parameters in response to environmental stimuli exhibited reduced biomass loss in both aerial and root parts. As a result, this positively influenced their productivity. Enhanced plasticity was particularly prominent in accessions from the MG Germplasm Collection: MG 311-Hybrid Timor UFV 428-02, MG 270-Hybrid Timor UFV 377-21, and MG 279-Hybrid Timor UFV 376-31, alongside the Rubi MG 1192 cultivar. The MVPi emerged as a valuable instrument to assess genotype adaptability and predict their performance under varying climatic scenarios.

Marker-Assisted Recurrent Selection for Pyramiding Leaf Rust and Coffee Berry Disease Resistance Alleles in Coffea arabica L.

In this study, marker-assisted recurrent selection was evaluated for pyramiding resistance gene alleles against coffee leaf rust (CLR) and coffee berry diseases (CBD) in Coffea arabica. A total of 144 genotypes corresponding to 12 hybrid populations from crosses between eight parent plants with desired morphological and agronomic traits were evaluated. Molecular data were used for cross-certification, diversity study and resistance allele marker-assisted selection (MAS) against the causal agent of coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and coffee berry disease (Colletotrichum kahawae). In addition, nine morphological and agronomic traits were evaluated to determine the components of variance, select superior hybrids, and estimate genetic gain. From the genotypes evaluated, 134 were confirmed as hybrids. The genetic diversity between and within populations was 75.5% and 24.5%, respectively, and the cluster analysis revealed three primary groups. Pyramiding of CLR and CBD resistance genes was conducted in 11 genotypes using MAS. A selection intensity of 30% resulted in a gain of over 50% compared to the original population. Selected hybrids with increased gain also showed greater genetic divergence in addition to the pyramided resistance alleles. The strategies used were, therefore, efficient to select superior coffee hybrids for recurrent selection programs and could be used as a source of resistance in various crosses.

Influence of postharvest processing on the quality and sensory profile of groups of arabica coffee genotypesc.

BACKGROUND: This study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches to obtain a better understanding of the sensory quality of beverages made from Arabic coffee genotypes subjected to different processing methods. Over 3 consecutive years, 270 accessions of Arabic coffee from the germplasm collection of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, were sensorially characterized after dry postharvest processing. At the end of this period, the 26 genotypes with the greatest potential for the production of specialty coffees were subjected to dry and wet processing. Granulometry and sensory quality were evaluated by scoring and describing the sensory profiles of the samples. RESULTS: Adequate management during all postharvest stages maintained the potential coffee quality, regardless of processing. All of the coffees studied were classified as special. There was variation in the perceived nuances of the sensory attributes among the groups of genotypes and as a function of postharvest processing, with emphasis on the increased frequency of high levels of sweetness in wet processing. Among the aroma/flavor sensory attributes, the caramel subcategory, as a long and pleasant aftertaste, were predominant in all of the genotypes studied, regardless of the type of processing. CONCLUSION: The differences in the perceptions of aroma/flavor and aftertaste in different processes were easier to identify in the commercial cultivars studied, as well as in the Bourbon accessions of Timor Hybrid and their derivatives. The access MG 0159 Maragogipe Hybrid F1 stood out in terms of all of the evaluated characteristics, regardless of the processing method used. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Treasured exceptions: Association of morphoanatomical leaf traits with cup quality of Coffea arabica L. cv. "Catuaí".

The morphoanatomical characteristics of leaves were associated with altitude, hillside, and the cup quality of coffee produced in the Matas de Minas region. Although the small magnitude, there are correlations between cup quality with altitude and morpho-anatomical traits. Despite facing the differences of management inherent to 363 sampling sites, Northwestern hillside had significant lower cup quality, whereas only stomata density (SD) and thickness of the leaf epidermis in the adaxial face (AdET) showed significant differences between hillsides. Altitude, leaf mass per area (LMA) and SD, and to a lesser extent the thickness of the leaf epidermis in the abaxial face (AbET), were correlated (Spearman's correlation) with cup quality. Interestingly, AbET correlations were negative. Mantel's test significant correlations were found between coffee cup quality vs. altitude, LMA and petiole phloem area (PPhA). The spatial autocorrelation was significant only with LMA. Also, SD, to a lesser extent, was associated with cup quality. Despite the complexity of the association among the environment, plant growth and development, this is the first report to associate morpho-anatomical features of the leaf with the coffee cup traits. Even with the expectation of genotype/species vs environment interactions, and the influence of other parameters associated with post-harvest, roasting and brewing, the evaluation of LMA, SD, AdET, AbET and the thickness of the palisade parenchyma (PPT) allow a novel approach to access coffee cup quality.

Parasitism of Meloidogyne exigua races 1 and 2 in coffee plants derived from Timor Hybrid / Parasitismo de Meloidogyne exigua raças 1 e 2 em cafeeiros derivados do Híbrido de Timor

ABSTRACT: To investigate the degree of parasitism of two populations of Meloidogyne exigua, the gall index (GI) and the reproduction factor (RF) of M. exigua races 1 (Est E2) and 2 (Est E1) were analyzed in 47 progenies on F3:4 or F4:5 generation derived from the crossing between Coffea arabica cv. Catuaí Amarelo and Timor Hybrid. C. canephora cv. Apoatã IAC 2258 and C. arabica cv. Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144 were used as resistance and susceptibility checks, respectively. The genotypes that were classified as resistant or susceptible by RF were similarly classified by GI, showing a close relationship between both methodologies. The data also indicated no differences in virulence between the nematode populations, since the progenies showed similar resistance reactions to the M. exigua races 1 and 2. According to GI from the 47 mother plants evaluated, 27 progenies (57.4%) were classified as resistant to M. exigua races 1 and 2, with GI ranging from 0.0 to 1.4 and 20 progenies (42.6%) were susceptible with GI from 2.6 to 4.4. These results showed that most of the evaluated germplasm was very promising in relation to the development of new Arabica coffee cultivars with resistance to M. exigua.

RESUMO: Com o objetivo de investigar o grau de parasitismo de duas populações de Meloidogyne exigua, o índice de galhas (IG) e o fator de reprodução (FR) de M. exigua raças 1 (Est E2) e 2 (Est E1) foram analisados em 47 progênies na geração F3:4 ou F4:5, derivadas do cruzamento entre Coffea arabica cv. Catuaí Amarelo e Híbrido de Timor. Plantas de C. canephora cv. Apoatã IAC 2258 e C. arabica cv. Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144 foram usadas como padrão de resistência e de suscetibilidade, respectivamente. Os genótipos que foram classificados como resistentes ou suscetíveis pelo FR foram similarmente classificados pelo IG, mostrando uma estreita relação entre as duas metodologias para a avaliação da resistência. Os dados também indicaram que não houve diferenças quanto à virulência entre as duas populações do nematoide, uma vez que as progênies mostraram similar reação de resistência a M. exigua raça 1 e 2. De acordo com o IG, das 47 plantas-mãe avaliadas, 27 progenies (57,4%) foram classificadas como resistentes a M. exigua raças 1 e 2, com IG variando de 0,0 a 1,4 e 20 progenies (42,6%) foram suscetíveis, com IG variando de 2,6 a 4,4. Esses resultados mostraram que a maioria dos germoplasmas avaliados foi muito promissora em relação ao desenvolvimento de novas cultivares de café Arábica com resistência a M. exigua.

Discrimination of genotypes coffee by chemical composition of the beans: Potential markers in natural coffees.

The chemical composition of coffee beans varies according to the cultivar used, but there is little information about the differences among them resulting in different sensory profiles. The purpose was to find potential chemical markers to discriminate genealogical groups of coffee using regression analysis by partial least squares. Twenty-two accessions of C. arabica were used with two repetitions each. There were chromatographic and physical-chemical analyses to determine the composition of raw beans and chemometric analysis as the PCA and the PLS-DA. The analysis of PCA did not showed detailed information about the differences between the groups. The model PLS-DA identified the most important variables in the discrimination of the genealogical groups. Arachidic acid and stearic acid the markers for the Bourbon group; the myristic and linoleic acids and sucrose for the Exotic group; and lauric, palmitoleic and oleic acids, and the protein content to the Timor Hybrid group.

Early Selection Enabled by the Implementation of Genomic Selection in Coffea arabica Breeding.

Genomic Selection (GS) has allowed the maximization of genetic gains per unit time in several annual and perennial plant species. However, no GS studies have addressed Coffea arabica, the most economically important species of the genus Coffea. Therefore, this study aimed (i) to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of GS in the prediction of the genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV); (ii) to estimate the genetic parameters; and (iii) to evaluate the time reduction of the selection cycle by GS in Arabica coffee breeding. A total of 195 Arabica coffee individuals, belonging to 13 families in generation of F2, susceptible backcross and resistant backcross, were phenotyped for 18 agronomic traits, and genotyped with 21,211 SNP molecular markers. Phenotypic data, measured in 2014, 2015, and 2016, were analyzed by mixed models. GS analyses were performed by the G-BLUP method, using the RKHS (Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces) procedure, with a Bayesian algorithm. Heritabilities and selective accuracies were estimated, revealing moderate to high magnitude for most of the traits evaluated. Results of GS analyses showed the possibility of reducing the cycle time by 50%, maximizing selection gains per unit time. The effect of marker density on GS analyses was evaluated. Genomic selection proved to be promising for C. arabica breeding. The agronomic traits presented high complexity for they are controlled by several QTL and showed low genomic heritabilities, evidencing the need to incorporate genomic selection methodologies to the breeding programs of this species.

Selection of arabica coffee progenies tolerant to heat stress / Seleção de progênies de café arábica tolerantes ao calor

Due to high temperatures, practically all coffee farms in the state of Rondonia are of the C. canephora species. Thus, importing arabica coffee from other states becomes necessary for composition of blends, as well as for the specialty or gourmet coffee market. The purpose of this study was to select arabica coffee genotypes that exhibit satisfactory agronomic performance under high temperature conditions. The experiment was conducted in OuroPreto do Oeste, RO, Brazil, with mean annual temperature of 25.8°C and mean annual rainfall of 2300mm year-1. The experiment was composed of 114 arabica coffee genotypes, with 103 progenies and eleven control cultivars, provided by EPAMIG. A randomized block experimental design was used with three replications, spacing of 3.0x1.0 meters and five plants per plot. All the crop seasons showed significant difference for the green coffee yield trait. In joint analysis, significant differences were detected among progenies and control cultivars. In the average of the four harvests, green coffee yield was 32.38 bags ha-1. The cultivars 'CatuaíVermelho IAC 15', 'Obatã IAC 1669-20' and 'Catucaí Amarelo 2SLCAK' stood out, achieving yields greater than 40 bags ha-1. The gain obtained from selection was 14.33 bags ha-1, which is equivalent to an increase of 44.04% in production of green coffee. The progeny H514-7-10-6-2-3-9 stood out with an average yield of 51.20 bags ha-1. In regard to maturation cycle, 56% of the progenies were classified as early maturity and 44% as medium maturity. Late maturity genotypes were not observed.

Devido às temperaturas elevadas, basicamente, todas as lavouras de café no estado de Rondônia são da espécie C. canephora. Desse modo, a importação de café arábica de outros estados faz-se necessária para a composição dos blends, além do mercado de cafés especiais ou gourmets. O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar genótipos de café arábica que apresentam desempenho agronômico satisfatório sob condições de temperaturas elevadas. O experimento foi instalado em Ouro Preto do Oeste-RO, com temperaturas médias anuais de 25,8°C e precipitação pluvial média de 2.300mm ano-1. O experimento foi composto por 114 genótipos de café arábica, sendo 103 progênies e onze cultivares testemunhas, fornecidas pela EPAMIG. O delineamento foi blocos casualizados com três repetições, espaçamento de 3,0 x 1,0 metros, com cinco plantas por parcela. Todas as safras demonstraram diferença significativa para a característica produtividade de café beneficiado. Na análise conjunta, foram detectadas diferenças significativas entre progênies e entre cultivares testemunhas. Na média das quatro colheitas, a produtividade de café beneficiado foi de 32,38 sacas ha-1. Destaques para as cultivares 'Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15', 'Obatã IAC 1669-20' e 'Catucaí Amarelo 2SLCAK' que alcançaram produtividades acima de 40 sacas ha-1. O ganho de seleção obtido foi de 14,33 sacas ha-1, que equivale a um aumento de 44,04% na produção de café beneficiado. Destaque para a progênie H514-7-10-6-2-3-9, com produtividade média de 51,20 sacas ha-1. Quanto ao ciclo de maturação, 56% das progênies foram classificadas como ciclo precoce e 44% de ciclo intermediário. Não foi observado genótipo de ciclo tardio.

Comportamento de progênies F4 obtidas por cruzamentos de 'Icatu' com 'Catimor' / Behavior of F4 progenies obtained from crossing of Icatu with Catimor

Conduziu-se este trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar progênies de cafeeiro resultantes do cruzamento entre 'Icatu' x 'Catimor', quanto à produtividade e vigor vegetativo e selecionar progênies superiores para avançar no programa de melhoramento dessa população. O delineamento utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, 30 tratamentos (29 progênies do cruzamento mais a cultivar Rubi MG 1192, utilizada como testemunha). Para análise de variância dos dados adotou-se o esquema de parcela subdividida no tempo. Foram analisados a produção em sacas beneficiadas.ha-1 de seis colheitas 2001/2002 a 2006/2007 e o vigor vegetativo avaliado após a colheita 2006/2007. Os resultados obtidos permitem verificar a presença da variabilidade genética para produção entre as progênies avaliadas, fato confirmado pela alta estimativa da maioria das progênies estudadas, demonstraram que é possível selecionar progênies superiores na população estudada.

The objective of this research was to evaluate coffee progenies resulted from the crossing of 'Icatu' with 'Catimor' in relation to their production and plant vigor and to select higher quality progenies to advance the breeding program of this population. For this purpose, a randomized complete block design was carried out with four replications and for the analysis of variance, the Split plot temporal arrangement was adopted. Twenty nine progenies plus the Rubi MG 1192 cultivar, used as a control, were evaluated. The yield of beans in bags.ha-1 of six harvests from 2001/2002 to 2006/2007 was evaluated and the plant vigor after the harvest was assessed. The results indicated that the evaluated progenies showed variability mainly for grain yield confirmed by heritability. This condition associated to high bean yields, which reached 62.0 bags.ha-1 and high plant vigor, showed the possibility of selecting outstanding progenies in the studied population.

Porta-enxertos afetando o desenvolvimento de mudas de coffea arabica l / Rootstocks affecting the development of coffea arabica l. young plants

O desenvolvimento de mudas de Coffea arabica L., em função do porta-enxerto, foi avaliado em condições de campo, na fazenda Jatobá município de Paula Cândido - MG. Utilizaram-se como enxerto quatro genótipos de C. arabica L.: as variedades Catuaí Vermelho IAC 15 e Oeiras MG 6851 e as linhagens H 419-10-3-1-5 e H 514-5-5-3, e, como porta-enxerto, três genótipos de Coffea canephora Pierre et Froenher: Apoatã LC 2258, Conilon Muriaé-1, Robustão Capixaba (EMCAPA 8141) e um genótipo de C. arabica L.: Mundo Novo IAC 376-4, além da utilização de quatro pés-francos. A combinação de enxertia H419/EMCAPA teve aumento na altura da planta, no número de nós da haste principal, no número de ramos plagiotrópicos da haste principal, no diâmetro de caule, no número de nós do ramo plagiotrópico mediano e na produção quando comparada com o respectivo pé-franco. As combinações Catuaí/Apoatã, H514/Apoatã, H514/Conilon e H514/EMCAPA tiveram reduções na produção quando comparadas com os respectivos pés-francos. A enxertia em café pode influenciar o desenvolvimento das plantas, quando se compararam diferentes combinações enxerto/porta-enxerto com os respectivos pés-francos. A linhagem H 419-10-3-1-5 foi beneficiada na produção de café pelos porta-enxertos Apoatã e EMCAPA, e no crescimento apenas pelo EMCAPA.