Técnicas de enxertia visando a produção de mudas de Coffea arabica L.

Abstract

The production of grafted seedlings of Coffea arabica L. hybrids can be an alternative to increase productivity, facilitate the exploration of different characteristics of interest to coffee growers in Brazil and in the world. This work aimed to define an adequate methodology for the production of grafted arabica coffee seedlings. Five experiments were carried out, conducted in a greenhouse at EPAMIG and experimental field at the Federal University of Lavras, in the municipality of Lavras-MG, from May 2018 to July 2021. The first experiment aimed to select the best grafting method for culture (normal and inverted T bubbling, full cleft, empty cleft and complicated English). In the second, the different heights for performing grafting on the rootstock (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm above the seedling neck) were evaluated. In the third experiment, different substrate volumes were tested for seedling production (270 ml, 850 ml and 1800 ml). The fourth experiment was aimed at identifying the best region of the shoot (basal or apical) for grafting. In order to determine the best type of pruning to be performed on mother plants to obtain orthotropic shoots, the fifth experiment was carried out. For all greenhouse experiments, evaluations of agronomic characteristics were carried out: growth in height, base diameter, diameter of the graft region, setting, leaf area, dry mass of the shoot and root system, growth of the grafted shoot and number of leaf pairs. For the pruning experiment of mother plants, the amount of shoots obtained was evaluated. As a grafting method, grafting in full cleft stood out, mainly for the growth of seedlings in height. To obtain better attachment and development, it is recommended to graft 15, 20 e 25 cm above the rootstock neck. The production of seedlings in substrate volumes of 1800 ml ensures better development of the root system and, consequently, greater development of the seedling. As for the type of bud to be used, the apical one is recommended. The pruning type with neckline provided greater emission of orthotropic shoots.