This study evaluated the genetic diversity of 33 Coffea canephora genotypes through morphophysiological and molecular analyses, aiming to identify promising genotypes for pre-breeding purposes in the southern region of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Cutting-propagated seedlings were evaluated 120 days after planting, considering height, stem and crown diameter, number of leaves, fresh and dry shoot and root weight, chlorophyll content, and root characteristics. Molecular analysis was performed on 32 genotypes; one was excluded due to absent DNA, and 18 ISSR markers were used. Morphological data were analyzed by ANOVA, Scott–Knott’s mean test, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. The results revealed significant diversity among genotypes. The first two principal components explained 75.5% of the total variability. Genotypes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 32, and 33 stood out as those that produced the most vigorous seedlings. Molecular analysis also revealed genetic diversity among genotypes, with the formation of 16 groups, while the morphophysiological analysis revealed four groups. The Mantel test demonstrated a small but significant positive difference (r = 0.228; p = 0.018) between the genetic and morphophysiological distances of the genotypes. This diversity indicates that the genotypes evaluated are promising for use in C. canephora breeding programs.

This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen fertilization and different types of planting material on the yield and fruit quality of pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) cv. Smooth Cayenne under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, arranged in a factorial scheme with four nitrogen rates, six types of planting material, and two harvest seasons (winter and summer). Based on the results, it can be inferred that slips provided higher yields and heavier fruits, whereas plants derived from crowns and suckers showed lower productivity. Increasing nitrogen rates promoted greater fruit mass and length, higher pulp percentage, and increased production of vegetative propagules. Fruits harvested in the summer showed higher soluble solids content (15.5 °Brix), greater pulp and juice percentages, and lower titratable acidity, which are desirable characteristics for fresh consumption. Despite the seasonal differences, fruit mass ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 kg met commercial standards for both processing and domestic markets. The soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio (15.8) was below the ideal range for fresh consumption. The combination of appropriate planting material and nitrogen fertilization contributes to higher production efficiency, cost reduction, and improved fruit quality.

Programmed Cycle Pruning (PCP) in Arabica coffee can positively influence plant physiology by modifying plant architecture, promoting a more uniform distribution of branches and leaves, and altering microclimatic conditions within the canopy, particularly light incidence. These structural changes may contribute to improvements in plant performance and productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth, yield, and physiological responses of Arabica coffee plants managed under PCP at different stem densities per hectare. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. Treatments were arranged in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme with an additional treatment representing the traditional pruning system. The factorial combination included four stem densities (4000, 8000, 12,000, and 16,000 stems ha⁻¹) and two data collection positions on the plant (lower and upper canopy strata). The evaluated variables included canopy diameter, plagiotropic branch length, number of inflorescences per branch, net photosynthetic rate (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf transpiration (E), vapor pressure deficit between leaf and air (VPDleaf/air), SPAD index, anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, and grain yield. PCP promoted greater uniformity in leaf gas exchange within the canopy and prevented the occurrence of “girdling”, which under traditional pruning reduced Anet in the upper canopy. Net photosynthesis increased with stem density under PCP. Although growth variables were similar between pruning systems, yield was higher under PCP, with a nonlinear response to stem density, indicating improved canopy gas-exchange uniformity and productivity in Arabica coffee cultivation.