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.

Mycorrhizae provide several benefits to coffee plants. This study evaluated whether these benefits influence the damage caused by the Bidens pilosa competition with coffee seedlings. A randomized blocks design was used, with treatments established in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (presence and absence of B. pilosa interference in non-inoculated control or plants inoculated with either Claroideoglomus etunicatum or Dentiscutata heterogama). Coffee seedlings were inoculated with fungi spores and developed for 120 days. Then, they were subjected to the interference of B. pilosa for more 120 days, when data were collected for growth traits, mycorrhizal colonization, dry matter and foliar nutrient concentrations in coffee plants. Dry matter and nutrient contents in B. pilosa plants were also evaluated. Inoculation provided better growth and nutrition of coffee plants. The competition with B. pilosa reduced mycorrhizal colonization, height, leaf area, leaf and stem dry mass, root dry weight, number of reproductive branches and levels of P and Fe in the coffee plants. However, the harmful effect of the interference was lower in inoculated coffee plants. The dry mass of B. pilosa decreased under the interference of inoculated coffee plants. The inoculation of C. etunicatum and D. heterogama in Arabica coffee seedlings increases the competitiveness of the crop against B. pilosa interference.

The benefits of mycorrhization occur with the growth of hyphae in colonized roots by promoting an increase of the contact surface which improves the initial growth due to a better absorption of water and nutrients. The objective was to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus clarus inoculation over the initial development and nutritional response of six genotypes of Coffea arabica L. Six genotypes of Coffea arabica L. were used (MGS Aranas, H29-1-8-5, Red Catuai IAC 144, IPR 100, Catigua MG2, Paraíso H 419-1) and with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus - AMF: Rhizophagus clarus and without the application of the fungus. For the production of coffee seedlings, seeds were placed to germinate in plastic trays with sterile sand. After germination, 10 seedlings of each genotype were transferred to 0.120 dm3 polyethylene tubes with substrate. Then the inoculation of five seedlings of each genotype with the AMF R. Clarus was performed. When the seedlings with and without inoculation with the AMF presented six pairs of leaves they were transplanted to 13-liter pots containing soil (Dystrophic red-yellow latosol). The inoculation favored the initial growth of the coffee plants and its intensity varied according to the genotypes. The genotypes H 29-1-8-5, Red Catuai IAC 144 and Catigua MG 2 were the ones that presented higher shoot dry mass, root dry mass, total dry mass and accumulation of P, in relation to MGS aranãs, Paraiso H 419-1 and IPR 100, so they are the most promising to be inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the productivity and beverage sensory quality of arabica coffee under the influence of tree species cultivated at different spacings. The experiment was set in 2012, in the municipality of Santo Antônio do Amparo, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A randomized complete block design was carried out with four replicates and seven treatments, as follows: Catuaí Vermelho IAC 99 Coffea arabica in monoculture (3.40x0.65 m); and this cultivar intercropped at two spacings (9.0x13.6 and 18.0x13.6 m) in the coffee row ‒ either with African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis), teak (Tectona grandis), or pink cedar (Acrocarpus fraxinifolius). Three coffee rows were fixed between rows, totaling 13.6 m between the wooded rows. Productivity, sensory analysis (cup test), and content analysis of sensory attributes were evaluated in the 2017 and 2018 crop years. The treatments and years of harvest influenced productivity. The sensory analysis was positive for coffee intercropped with African mahogany and teak, in 2018. Sensory attributes and nuances are modified by the years of harvest. Arabica coffee plants intercropped with African mahogany show a superior productivity, regardless of the spacing between species, as well as a higher sensory quality in the 2018 harvest.

Climate change threatens the survival of commercial crops due to their narrow genetic base. One of the alternatives is the identification of plants with potential for abiotic stress tolerance. This study aimed to verify the physiological and anatomical adaptations to the drought period and the impacts on the yield of ‘Híbrido de Timor’ coffee tree accessions. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 7 x 2 factorial arrangement, being seven genotypes (UFV 377-21, UFV 377-21, UFV 442-42, BE 5 Wush-Wush x UFV 366-08, UFV 428-02, UFV 376-31 and UFV 427-55) and two seasonal periods (dry and rainy), with two replications. The stomatal conductance; predawn water potential; levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde; activity of the enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate oxidase; ascorbate content; cuticle thickness of the adaxial surface and leaf lamina; stomatal density; ratio between polar and equatorial diameter; phloem area; area, diameter and frequency of xylem vessels; relative hydraulic conductivity; vulnerability index; and yield were evaluated. The results showed acclimatization of the accessions to the dry period, with some of them maintaining higher water potential values in the predawn; induction of the antioxidant system with the increase in the activity of the superoxide dismutase enzyme and ascorbate levels; increase in the cuticle and leaf lamina thickness; and a higher ratio between polar and equatorial diameters. Most of the evaluated accessions showed a good productive performance, especially the ‘UFV 377-21’, ‘UFV 442-42’ and ‘UFV 376-31’, with adaptations to the dry period and yield potential.

Plants exhibit the capacity for adaptation through their metabolic processes to various changes in environmental conditions. Investigating these adaptations in current and future climatic scenarios is of great importance for ensuring productive agricultural crops. This adaptative potential is commonly employed as an indicator of genotypes with higher potential in breeding programs. However, the complexity and interaction of plant metabolic parameters pose a challenge to selection strategies. In this context, the aim of this study was to explore phenotypic plasticity within the germplasm of Hybrid Timor coffee. Additionally, we assessed the utility of the 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 was conducted at greenhouse conditions, with two treatments: a control scenario, maintaining soil moisture near its maximum water-holding capacity, and a water deficit scenario involving irrigation cessation followed by rehydration. Data encompassing physiological, biochemical, and growth aspects were collected during three distinct stages: pre-application of water deficit, its imposition, and subsequent rehydration. 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 more plastic genotypes, capable of significantly altering physiological and biochemical parameters in response to environmental stimuli, exhibited reduced biomass loss in both aerial and root parts, consequently positively influencing 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.