Exploring the microbiome of coffee plants: Implications for coffee quality and production.

Coffee stands as one of the world's most popular beverages, and its quality undergoes the influence of numerous pre- and post-harvest procedures. These encompass genetic variety, cultivation environment, management practices, harvesting methods, and post-harvest processing. Notably, microbial communities active during fermentation hold substantial sway over the ultimate quality and sensory characteristics of the final product. The interaction between plants and microorganisms assumes critical significance, with specific microbes assuming pivotal roles in coffee plant growth, fruit development, and, subsequently, the fruit's quality. Microbial activities can synthesize or degrade compounds that influence the sensory profile of the beverage. However, studies on the metabolic products generated by various coffee-related microorganisms and their chemical functionality, especially in building sensory profiles, remain scarce. The primary aim of this study was to conduct a literature review, based on a narrative methodology, on the current understanding of the plant-microorganism interaction in coffee production. Additionally, it aimed to explore the impacts of microorganisms on plant growth, fruit production, and the fermentation processes, directly influencing the ultimate quality of the coffee beverage. Articles were sourced from ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using specific search terms such as "coffee microorganisms", "microorganisms-coffee interactions", "coffee fermentation", "coffee quality", and 'coffee post-harvest processing". The articles used were published in English between 2000 and 2023. Selection criteria involved thoroughly examining articles to ensure their inclusion was based on results about the contribution of microorganisms to both the production and quality of the coffee beverage. The exploration of microorganisms associated with the coffee plant and its fruit presents opportunities for bioprospecting, potentially leading to targeted fermentations via starter cultures, consequently generating new profiles. This study synthesizes existing data on the current understanding of the coffee-associated microbiome, its functionalities within ecosystems, the metabolic products generated by microorganisms, and their impacts on fermentation processes and grain and beverage quality. It highlights the importance of plant-microorganism interactions in the coffee production chain.

Accumulation of Nutrients and the Relation between Fruit, Grain, and Husk of Coffee Robusta Cultivated in Brazilian Amazon.

Coffee genotypes cultivated in the Amazonian region have been gaining increasing prominence in Brazilian plantations. This study aimed to quantify nutrient accumulation in the fruits, grains, and husks of Robusta coffee genotypes cultivated in the Brazilian Amazon and estimate genetic diversity. The experiment was conducted in Alta Floresta D'Oeste-Rondônia, Brazil. To assess nutrient accumulation, fresh fruits were collected. These were dried, processed, separated into grains and husks, and subjected to chemical analysis. Nutrient accumulation in fruits, grains, and husks, as well as the grain/husk ratio, underwent analysis of variance through the F-test (p < 0.01. For each evaluated trait, the experimental coefficient of 337 variation (CVe), genetic coefficient of variation (CVg), and genotypic determination coefficient (H2) were also estimated. Variability was observed among Robusta coffee genotypes, with VP06, AS4, and AS10 being the most dissimilar. LB080 had the lowest dry fruit weight and the lowest percentage of grains in relation to husks. ZD156 accumulated more K in the grains, while VP06 and AS10 were the genotypes that accumulated more nutrients in the husks. Nutrients N, K, Ca, and P are accumulated in larger quantities, necessitating the calibration of mineral fertilization dosages and distribution.

Genomic Evaluation of Coffea arabica and Its Wild Relative Coffea racemosa in Mozambique: Settling Resilience Keys for the Coffee Crop in the Context of Climate Change.

Climate change is negatively affecting the coffee value chain, with a direct effect on approximately 100 million people from 80 countries. This has been attributed to the high vulnerability of the two-mainstream species, Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, to extreme weather events, with notable uneven increases in market prices. Taking into account the narrow genetic plasticity of the commercial coffee cultivars, wild-relatives and underutilized Coffea species are valuable genetic resources. In this work, we have assessed the occurrence of Coffea species in to understand the degree of genetic relationships between Coffea species in the country, as well as the patterns of genetic diversity, differentiation, and genetic structure. Only one wild species was found, C. racemosa, which showed a high level of genetic separation with C. arabica, based on plastid, as well as SSR and SNP analysis. C. arabica presented low levels of diversity likely related to their autogamous nature, while the allogamous C. racemosa presented higher levels of diversity and heterozygosity. The analysis of the functional pathways based on SNPs suggests that the stress signaling pathways are more robust in this species. This novel approach shows that it is vital to introduce more resilient species and increase genomic diversity in climate-smart practices.

Nutritional Balance and Genetic Diversity of Coffea canephora Genotypes.

Our objectives were to study characteristics of the fruit (weight, percentage of husk/grain), to determine the concentration and accumulation of nutrients in the fruits, grain and husk, and to verify the existence of genetic diversity in Coffea canephora genotypes. The experiment was conducted with 20 genotypes in a four-year-old plantation, in a randomized block design with four replications and five plants per plot. The fruits were oven-dried, depulped (husk separated from the grain) and sent to a laboratory for nutritional analysis. Macronutrients N and K were the most accumulated/exported in fruits, respectively. In addition, the different genotype control cycles influenced the accumulation of nutrients in the fruits. There was genetic diversity among the 20 C. canephora genotypes, studied for the characteristics of concentration and percentage of grain/straw nutrients in the fruit. Genotypes 2, 8 and 13 were the ones with the greatest genetic distance, consequently they are the most dissimilar when compared to the other genotypes. Genotypes 8 and 1 stand out for having a higher proportion of fruit weight in relation to grains. Therefore, they are the genotypes that need a smaller amount of fruit to produce 1000 kg of ground coffee.

Multi-Environment and Multi-Year Bayesian Analysis Approach in Coffee canephora.

This work aimed to use the Bayesian approach to discriminate 43 genotypes of Coffea canephora cv. Conilon, which were cultivated in two producing regions to identify the most stable and productive genotypes. The experiment was a randomized block design with three replications and seven plants per plot, carried out in the south of Bahia and the north of Espírito Santo, environments with different climatic conditions, and evaluated during four harvests. The proposed Bayesian methodology was implemented in R language, using the MCMCglmm package. This approach made it possible to find great genetic divergence between the materials, and detect significant effects for both genotype, environment, and year, but the hyper-parametrized models (block effect) presented problems of singularity and convergence. It was also possible to detect a few differences between crops within the same environment. With a model with lower residual, it was possible to recommend the most productive genotypes for both environments: LB1, AD1, Peneirão, Z21, and P2.

Adaptability and stability of Coffea canephora to dynamic environments using the Bayesian approach.

The objective of this work was to use the Bayesian approach, modeling the interaction of coffee genotypes with the environment, using a bisegmented regression to identify stable and adapted genotypes. A group of 43 promising genotypes of Coffea canephora was chosen. The genotypes were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications of seven plants each. The experimental plot was harvested four years in the study period, according to the maturation cycle of each genotype. The proposed Bayesian methodology was implemented in the free program R using rstanarm and coda packages. It was possible to use previous information on coffee genotypes as prior information on parameter distributions of an Adaptability and Stability model, which allowed obtaining shorter credibility intervals and good evidence of low bias in the model by the determination coefficient. After fine adjustments in the approach, it was possible to make inferences about the significant GxE interaction and to discriminate the coffee genotypes regarding production, adaptability, and stability. This is still a new approach for perennials, and since it allows more accurate estimates it can be advantageous when planning breeding programs. The Z21 genotype is recommended to compose part of selected genetic material for highly technical farmers, as it responds very well to the favorable environment, being one of the most productive and with excellent stability.

Microclimate and development of Coffea canephora intercropped with Carica papaya: measures to mitigate climate change

Intercropped systems with Conilon coffee might provide a better environment for coffee production. The aim of this study was to assess the microclimate and development of Conilon coffee intercropped with papaya trees. Papaya was planted with spacing of 3.20 x 2.40 m. The coffee trees were planted after eight months, with spacing of 3.20 x 1.60 m, in-between papaya trees (in the same row). The measurements were taken 0, 40 and 80 cm away from the coffee plants, both in the north and south direction. Concomitantly, an adjoining full sunlight coffee system (not intercropped) was also assessed. The measurements included atmospheric parameters (temperature, irradiance, and relative humidity) and vegetative parameters for the coffee plants (leaf area, relative chlorophyll index, length of plagiotropic branches, length of orthotopic branches and number of nodes) in three periods of the year. The intercropped system of Conilon coffee and papaya trees led to a decrease in both irradiance and temperature, and higher means of relative humidity during daytime in all the periods assessed, which contributes to a better environment for coffee cultivation. The shadow provided by papaya trees in the coffee plants contributed to a higher leaf area but did not affect neither the growth of both plagiotropic and orthotopic branches, nor the number of nodes and the etiolation. The intercropped system of Conilon coffee and papaya trees may be potentially used as a farming system to mitigate climate change.

Concentration of Nutrients in Leaves, Flowers, and Fruits of Genotypes of Coffea canephora.

It is important to consider the nutritional demand among genotypes of the same species to achieve high yields. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the concentration of nutrients in leaves, flowers, grains, and fruit straw in conilon coffee genotypes. The experiment was carried out under a randomized block design, with three replications and the evaluation of nine genotypes. Leaf collections were carried out every three months, from August 2019 to May 2020. Flowers were collected at flowering in July 2019 and fruits in June 2020, upon complete maturation of the genotypes. The materials were dried in an oven and sent for laboratory analysis to determine the nutritional content. Data were subjected to analysis of variance followed by a comparison of means and estimates of genetic parameters and clustering using the hierarchical method (UPGMA). The nutrients found in the highest concentrations in the evaluated plant organs were N and K for macronutrients and Fe for micronutrients. For the leaves, the concentrations of the main nutrients were high in the first and reduced in the last evaluated periods, possibly due to mobilization to the fruits. Considering all the plant tissues evaluated, the order of concentration of macronutrients and micronutrients was N > K > Ca > P = Mg = S and Fe > B > Mn > Cu > Zn, respectively. For a nutritional diagnosis, it is important to take comparisons of the genetic diversity and evaluation periods into consideration.

Soil patterns and foliar standards for two cocoa clones in the States of Espírito Santo and Bahia, Brazil / Padrões de solo e normas foliares para dois clones de cacau cultivados nos Estados do Espírito Santo e Bahia, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to establish soil patterns and foliar standards for clonal crops of cocoa CCN51 and PS1319 in the Atlantic regions within the northern Espírito Santo and southern Bahia States. Samples were collected from September to October 2015, in 45 high productive plots, being 23 plots of clone CCN51 and 22 of clone PS1319. Sufficiency ranges for soil and foliar standards were recommended for cocoa clones CCN51 and PS1319 planted in the Northern Espírito Santo and Southern Bahia states. Differences in the contents of foliar macronutrients K, Ca, Mg, S and micronutrients Fe and Mn, were verified between clones CCN51 and PS1319. Differences reported for standards from different geographical regions confirmed that these standards need to be regional and specific for different cocoa clones.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer padrões de solo e padrões foliares para culturas clonais de cacau CCN51 e PS1319 nas regiões do Atlântico no norte do Espírito Santo e no sul da Bahia. As amostras foram coletadas de setembro a outubro de 2015, em 45 parcelas de alta produtividade, sendo 23 parcelas do clone CCN51 e 22 do clone PS1319. As faixas de suficiência para solo e padrões foliares foram sugeridas para os clones de cacau CCN51 e PS1319 plantados no norte do Espírito Santo e no sul da Bahia. Diferenças nos teores dos macronutrientes foliares K, Ca, Mg, S e micronutrientes Fe e Mn foram verificadas entre os clones CCN51 e PS1319. As diferenças relatadas para padrões de diferentes regiões geográficas permitem confirmar que esses padrões precisam ser regionais e específicos para diferentes clones de cacau.

Cold induced changes on sugar contents and respiratory enzyme activities in coffee genotypes / Alterações dos teores de açúcares e da atividade de enzimas do metabolismo respiratório em genótipos de café submetidos ao frio

The present research aimed to characterize some biochemical responses of Coffea canephora (clones 02 and 153) and C. arabica (Catucaí IPR 102) genotypes subjected to low positive temperatures, helping to elucidate the mechanisms involved in cold tolerance. For that, one year old plants were subjected successively to 1) a temperature decrease (0.5°C a day) from 25/20°C to 13/8°C (acclimation period), 2) a three day chilling cycle (3x13/4°C) and to 3) a recovery period of 14 days (25/20°C). In Catucaí (less cold sensitive when compared to clone 02) there was an increased activity in the respiratory enzymes malate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase. Furthermore, Catucaí showed significant increases along the cold imposition and the higher absolute values after chilling exposure of the soluble sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose, raffinose, arabinose and mannitol) that are frequently involved in osmoregulation and membrane stabilization/protection. The analysis of respiratory enzymes and of soluble sugar balance may give valuable information about the cold acclimation/tolerance mechanisms, contributing to a correct selection and breeding of Coffea sp. genotypes.

A pesquisa teve por objetivo caracterizar respostas bioquímicas de genótipos de Coffea canephora (clones 02 and 153) e C. arabica (Catucaí IPR 102) submetidos a baixas temperaturas positivas, ajudando a elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos na tolerância ao frio. Plantas com um ano de idade foram submetidas sucessivamente a 1) decréscimo da temperatura (0,5°C por dia) desde 25/20°C até 13/8°C (período de aclimatização), 2) um ciclo de três dias a 13/4°C e 3) 14 dias de recuperação (25/20°C). Em Catucaí, genótipo menos sensível ao frio quando comparado com o clone 02, observou-se um aumento das atividades das enzimas malato desidrogenase e piruvate cinase, relacionadas com a respiração. Nesse genótipo, os níveis de açúcares solúveis sacarose, glucose, frutose, rafinose, arabinose e manitol (frequentemente envolvidos em processos de regulação osmótica e estabilização/proteção de membranas) aumentam significativamente durante a imposição de baixas temperaturas, mostrando ainda os valores absolutos mais elevados depois de exposição a 4°C. Portanto, a análise de enzimas respiratórias e do balanço de açúcares solúveis pode fornecer informação importante sobre mecanismos de aclimatização/tolerância ao frio, contribuindo para seleção e melhoramento de genótipos de Coffea sp.

Estádios de desenvolvimento de mudas de umbuzeiros propagadas por enxertia / Developmental stages of umbu fruit seedlings propagated by grafting

O reconhecido potencial econômico das Spondias (como o umbuzeiro) e o crescente interesse dos mercados internacionais em razão da demanda de frutos com sabores exóticos utilizados no preparo de sucos, doces e sorvetes têm despertado o interesse de pesquisadores e produtores por essa fruteira. Os objetivos do trabalho foram avaliar o desenvolvimento de mudas de umbuzeiro e indicar a melhor idade da muda e do garfo para a realização da enxertia. A semeadura foi realizada em canteiros de madeira de 1,5m de largurax10,0m de comprimento x 0,15m de altura, contendo areia lavada, sendo as sementes colocadas juntas e alinhadas em fileiras espaçadas de 5,0 cm uma da outra. Avaliou-se a altura da muda a partir do colo da planta, do número de folhas, do diâmetro do caule a 5, 10 e 15cm do colo, da matéria fresca e seca da parte aérea e das raízes no dia do transplante e após 60, 120, 180 e 240 dias após o transplantio. Avaliou-se também a sobrevivência das mudas com 180 dias após o transplantio, por meio da enxertia, pelo método de garfagem em fenda cheia ao topo com material propagativo (garfos) de umbuzeiros de várias procedências e idades. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, e as repetições foram compostas por seis plantas por parcela. Conclui-se que, a partir de seis meses depois da repicagem, as mudas do umbuzeiro podem ser enxertadas pelo método de garfagem em fenda cheia ao topo. Houve uma sobrevivência de 80 por cento das mudas enxertadas, estando estas prontas para o plantio em campo depois de dois meses após a enxertia. O índice de pegamento diminuiu de forma gradual ao serem usados garfos oriundos de plantas com idade acima de seis anos.

The economic importance of Spondias umbuzeiro has been increased in international market due to its exotic flavor and the ability to be used in juices, ice creams and other food preparation. For this reason, the knowledge of many aspects of this species is has been investigated by many researchers and also attracted the farmers interest. The aim of this research was to evaluate the development of umbu seedlings and to indicate the best stage of the seedling and also the more appropriate stage of the fork for grafting. Seeds were sown in wood beds with 1.5m wide10.0m long0.15m high, washed sand, and placed together and aligned in rows spaced 5.0cm apart. The following characteristics were evaluated: seedling size, leaves number, stem diameter at 5, 10 and 15cm from the soil, canopy and root fresh weight in the transplant date and also after 60, 120, 180 and 240 days after transplanting. The grafting technique studied consisted in a top bench grafting with seedlings from different origins and development stages. The efficiency of grafting technique was evaluated after 180 days after transplanting by observing the surviving plants. The experiments were carried out in a completely casualized design and the replicates made up of six plants per plot. It was concluded that from six months after transplanting the umbuzeiro seedlings can be grafted by using top cleft grafting. The efficiency of grafting technique reached 80 percent of all genotypes tested. The same results were observed considering plants after two months when the plants were already planting in a definitive place. The survival index decreased gradually when forks from plants older than six years were used.

Qualidade da matéria orgânica e distribuição do fósforo no solo de lavouras orgânicas de café Conilon / Organic matter quality and phosphorus distribution in soils under organic Conilon coffee

O cultivo de café orgânico utiliza fontes não solúveis de fósforo e grande quantidade e variedade de material orgânico em seu manejo. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as frações que compõem a matéria orgânica e distribuição do fósforo no solo de cafeeiros Coffea canephora da cultivar 'Conilon' cultivados sob diferentes sistemas de manejos de produção orgânica. O solo foi coletado na projeção da copa do cafeeiro, na camada de 0 a 20cm. Determinaram-se as características químicas e granulométricas do solo em procedimentos de rotina e as frações de fósforo e da material orgânica. Na maioria das lavouras, o fósforo orgânico constituiu a maior parte do fósforo lábil, e a fração humina constituiu a maior parte da matéria orgânica. Houve maior presença de fósforo inorgânico nos solos das lavouras com maiores concentrações de fósforo total e lábil. O conteúdo total de Pi + Po nos solos avaliados apresentou valores elevados, variando de 426,9 até 910,4mg dm-3 de solo. A fração humina constituiu a maior parte da matéria orgânica. As frações que compõem a distribuição do fósforo no solo apresentaram discrepâncias entre os sistemas de manejos de produção orgânica.

The organic management in coffee uses insoluble phosphorus sources and a large quantity and variety of organic material. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate organic matter composition and phosphorus distribution on soils from Coffea canephora cv. 'Conilon' crops, under different organic management production systems. Soil under the coffee tree canopy was collected from 0 to 20cm depth. Chemical and soil texture characteristics were determined by routine analysis as well as phosphorus and organic matter constitution. On the average crops organic phosphorus was the main part of the labile phosphorus and carbon humine. There was a higher content of inorganic phosphorus on soils from the crops with the highest concentrations of total and labile phosphorus. The total content of Pi + Po in the evaluated soils showed high and variation from 426.9 to 910.4mg dm-3 of soil. The humin fraction formed the bulk of organic matter. The fractions that make up the phosphorus distribution in the soil showed discrepanncies between the organic management production systems.

Estimative of Black Pepper leaf area with basis on the leaf blade linear dimension

This research was aimed at establishing regression equations to estimate black pepper (Piper nigrum) leaf area based on linear leaf measures. Different black pepper varieties where growth on the field, four different size leaves were collected per plant with a total of 52 leaves to establish the regression equation and 28 to validate the equation for each variety (Bragantina, Laçará, Guajarina e Cingapura). Leaf midrib length (LML), maximum leaf broad width (MLBW) and leaf area (LA) were measured. Pearson's linear correlation coefficients were determined between observed and predicted measures with the observed LA, besides estimating the linear regression equation for each variety. The equations best-fitted to estimate LA based on circumscript rectangle were: 1) LA = 2.2689 + 0.6900 x LML x MLBW; 2) LA = 1.6402 + 0.6816 x LML x MLBW; 3) LA = 1.4942 + 0.6215 x LML x MLBW and 4) LA = 0.7467 + 0.6735 x LML x MLBW, for Bragantina, Laçará, Guajarina and Cingapura varieties respectively. For all equations predicted values had high correlation coefficient with observed values thus showing that these equations must be variety specific and that they are appropriate for black pepper leaf area estimative.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer equações de regressão para estimar a área foliar de diferentes variedades de pimenta-do-reino (Piper nigrum) cultivadas no campo, a partir de medidas lineares de folhas. Foram coletadas quatro folhas por planta, de tamanhos diferentes, totalizando 52 folhas, para estabelecer a equação de regressão e 28 para validar a equação para cada variedade (Bragantina, Laçará, Guajarina e Cingapura). Procederam-se às medições do comprimento da nervura central (LML), da maior largura do limbo foliar (MLBW) e da área foliar (LA). Determinaram-se os coeficientes de correlação linear de Pearson entre as medidas mensuráveis e preditas com a LA observada, além de estimarem-se as equações de regressão linear para cada variedade. As equações que melhor se ajustaram para estimar LA com base no retângulo circunscrito foram: LA = 2.2689 + 0.6900 x LML x MLBW, para Bragantina; LA = 1.6402 + 0.6816 x LML x MLBW, para Laçará; LA = 1.4942 + 0.6215 x LML x MLBW, para Guajarina e LA = 0.7467 + 0.6735 x LML x MLBW, para Cingapura, para as quais os valores preditos apresentaram elevada correlação com os valores observados, indicando que as equações devem ser específicas para cada variedade e que são coerentes para estimar a área foliar de pimenta do reino.

Estabelecimento de normas DRIS e diagnóstico nutricional do cafeeiro arábica na região noroeste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Nutritional analysis of coffee plantations for establishing `DRIS` standards for the Northwest region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

O diagnóstico do estado nutricional de uma planta e/ou lavoura depende de valores de referência. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho estabelecer normas DRIS e realizar um diagnóstico nutricional das lavouras de café arábica na região Noroeste do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Para realizar o diagnóstico, foram amostradas 125 lavouras; e, para estabelecer as normas, foram selecionadas 25 lavouras de café com produtividade superior a 40sacas/ha. Quantificou-se o número de lavouras em que os índices DRIS apresentaram-se mais negativos e mais positivos onde os nutrientes Ca, B, Zn e K foram os que mais se apresentaram como limitantes e onde o Fe e o Mn foram os nutrientes que ocorreram com maior freqüência com índices mais positivos, ou seja, em excesso.

Reference - 'DRIS' - standards are essential for evaluation of the nutritional status of coffee plantations, and such standards are not yet available for the State of Rio de Janeiro. In this work, 125 well-conducted plantations had their nutritional status evaluated through foliar analysis. The results obtained for those 25 plantations with productivity above 40 60kg-bags per hectare were used for developing the "DRIS" standards. The nutrients calcium, borum, zinc and potassium seem limiting for the productivity, while iron and magnesium were found in excessive amounts.

Diagnóstico nutricional em cafeeiro conilon orgânico e convencional no Espírito Santo, utilizando o DRIS / Nutrition diagnosis in organic and conventional conilon coffee crop in the State of Espírito Santo, using the DRIS

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar o diagnóstico nutricional em cafeeiros conilon cultivados de forma orgânica e convencional na região Norte do Espírito Santo e comparar diferentes índices limiares de diagnóstico para considerar o nutriente como sendo limitante ou excessivo, empregando os teores foliares e produtividade de 40 lavouras sob o cultivo convencional e 56 lavouras sob o cultivo orgânico. Para os cálculos dos índices, utilizou o método DRIS com incorporação da matéria seca. Quatro índices limiares de diagnóstico foram utilizados para considerar o nutriente como sendo limitante. Os nutrientes que ocorreram mais vezes, nas lavouras orgânicas, como sendo deficientes foram Mn, P, Fe e Cu. Nas lavouras convencionais o Mn, N e P foram os nutrientes considerados mais limitantes. índice de menor valor absoluto afere mais nutrientes como sendo limitante. O primeiro nutriente mais limitante não tem sua posição alterada ao utilizar diferentes índices limiares.