Jeane Crasque

Brazil is the third largest producer of black pepper in the world. Although Brazil is prominent in black pepper production, the average yield is low. The main stressful factors in Brazilian black pepper crops directly affect the root system, such as water deficit, flooding and diseases. One strategy to enable the cultivation of black pepper in contaminated areas is the planting of seedlings grafted onto wild Piper species resistant to fusariosis, drought or flooding. Grafting consists of the union of plant tissues from at least two different plants to generate a single organism. However, many factors influence graft incompatibility, the main ones being botanical affinity, which is directly linked to genetic and morphological factors, environmental conditions and physiological factors. The objective of this work was to investigate the compatibility and physiology of grafted seedlings of ‘bragantina’ black pepper, using three rootstocks. The experiment was conducted at the Linhares Experimental Farm, of the Capixaba Institute for Research, Technical Assistance and Rural Extension. Piper aduncum, Piper caldense and the cultivar bragantina (Piper nigrum) were evaluated as rootstock. The native species were propagated by seeds and the bragantina cultivar by cuttings, both propagules collected from mother plants in the Active Germplasm Bank located on the farm. The full cleft top method was carried out. The rootstocks were decapitated just below the fourth node, in which a slit was made, 3 cm deep, and after insertion of the graft, it was tied with a rubber band. The grafts were covered with plastic bags. After grafting, the plants were kept in a nursery. Four months after grafting, survival, chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange, hydraulic conductivity of the stem and root, shoot and root anatomy were assessed. At the end of the experiment, the survival rate was higher in plants grafted onto Piper caldense. P. aduncum showed an increase in the number of active FSII reaction centers by cross sections (RC/CS0). The photosynthetic performance index relative to absorption (PIabs) was increased in P. aduncum. P. caldense and bragantina showed no significant difference. Water use efficiency (WUE) was higher in P. caldense plants, followed by bragantina plants. P. aduncum showed a decrease in WUE. P. aduncum showed an increase in the length of the vascular bundle and root xylem, however P. caldense showed reduced values. Regarding the number of root xylem vessels, the highest values were observed in bragantina plants. The diameter of the root xylem vessels was higher in P. aduncum. P. caldense and bragantina showed no difference. It is concluded that among the species studied, P. caldense was the species that presented the most characteristics that make it compatible with being used as a rootstock using the bragantina genotype as a graft.

The response of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) to low oxygen availability in the soil and the possibility of recovery after stress relief are associated with the plasticity capacity of each genotype; however, studies evaluating the influence of rootstock on stress response are scarce. Thus, in the northern region of the state of Espírito Santo, municipality of São Mateus, the physiological, biochemical, and anatomical responses and recovery capacity of cocoa PS-1319 grafted onto the rootstocks TSH-1188, Cepec-2002, Pará, Esfip-02, and SJ-02 were evaluated under flooded conditions. The plants were subjected to flooding for 60 days, and their recovery capacity was assessed after this period. The gas exchange, relative chlorophyll content, stem and leaf anatomy, photosynthetic pigments, and carbohydrates were evaluated. All genotypes showed reductions in net photosynthetic assimilation, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate in the flooded environment compared to the non-flooded environment. All pigments were degraded, with average values of Chl a, Chl b, total Chl, and total carotenoids of 9.33, 10.418, 19.75, and 590.75 μg.mL⁻¹ in the non-flooded environment and 6.43, 7.69, 14.12, and 500.33 μg.mL⁻¹ in the flooded environment. The rootstocks Cepec-2002 and Esfip-02 showed the highest carotenoid accumulation, with 585.78 and 650.47 μg.mL⁻¹, respectively, when compared to SJ-02 (474.03 μg.mL⁻¹), Pará (491.58 μg.mL⁻¹), and TSH-1188 (525.86 491.58 μg.mL⁻¹). The Pará rootstock did not show differences in stomatal density between environments, with values of 32.25 in flooding, 34.83 in non-flooding, and 31.61 in recovery. During flooding, lenticels formed in all rootstocks. After recovery, all rootstocks normalized their gas exchange, carbohydrate levels, and anatomy, showing that the root system was able to re-establish its functions, making these rootstocks suitable for areas at risk of flooding.

The cultivation of Theobroma cacao L. in full sun conditions is expanding, but little is known about the physiological response of different genotypes under high irradiance in the field. This study evaluated the photosynthetic light response curve and physiological performance of eleven genotypes (BN-34, CSE-70, VT-05, FL-89, NSV-04, PS-13 19, NSV-410, CP-49, CEPEC-2002, VEM-20, and SJ-02) grown in full sun in Linhares, ES, Brazil. Parameters derived from gas exchange and hyperbolic modeling were used. Variability was observed among genotypes. The VT-05 genotype showed the best performance, with a high maximum CO₂ assimilation rate (P_nmax = 10.92 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹), low dark respiration (R_d = 0.157 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹), reduced light compensation point (Γ = 2.73 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹), and high water use efficiency (WUE = 4.65 µmol CO₂ mmol⁻¹ H₂O). Genotypes PS-13 19, CP-49, VEM-20, NSV-04, and CSE-70 also stood out with high WUE and instantaneous carbon use efficiency (EiC = µmol CO₂ µmol⁻¹ photons), indicating good performance under high light conditions. In contrast, BN-34 and NSV-10 showed low photosynthetic efficiency, lower EiC values, and higher vapor pressure deficits (Vpd = kPa), suggesting lower adaptability to full sun conditions.

In the northern part of the state of Espírito Santo, in the municipality of São Mateus, the physiological, biochemical, and anatomical responses and recovery capacity of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.) PS-1319 grafted onto rootstocks TSH-1188, Cepec-2002, Pará, Esfip-02, and SJ-02 under flooding conditions were evaluated. The plants were subjected to flooding for 60 days and their recovery capacity was evaluated after this period. Gas exchange, relative chlorophyll content, stem and leaf anatomy, photosynthetic pigments, and carbohydrates were evaluated. The time of exposure to flooding caused limitations in gas exchange. There was a reduction in net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. During flooding, pigments were degraded and total soluble sugar was accumulated in the leaves. Lenticel formation was also observed on all rootstocks during the flooding period. After recovery, the rootstocks normalized their gas exchange, carbohydrates and anatomy.

The vegetative and reproductive development of Coffea canephora is affected by climatic variations; however, how environmental signals affect its phenology, especially across different maturation genotypes, remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of climatic conditions on the vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting of C. canephora genotypes during different maturation cycles. During the 2021–2022 harvest, early genotypes 104 and A1, intermediate genotype P2, and late genotype 143 were studied in Marilândia, ES, Brazil. A phenological scale of the reproductive period was developed, along with evaluations of vegetative development, productivity, and fruit maturation stages. The main flowering occurred in September. Distinct flowering patterns were found, with a large, medium bloom occurring in July in the early clones. Flowering occurred from July to October 2021 and in February and May 2022. The late genotype 143 presented the highest yield, with 92.6% of the fruits reaching the cherry stage. Compared to the other genotypes, the A1 genotype required 21% more ripe fruit to make up a bag of coffee, indicating a loss of yield in the immature stages (45%). A1 and P2 showed the highest growth. The vegetative growth rates peaked in spring and summer, which coincided with periods of the highest precipitation (86% of the annual precipitation). Factors such as long days, average minimum temperature, and humidity were associated with an increase in growth rates, whereas maximum temperature and solar radiation in summer negatively affected vegetative growth.

High temperatures can interfere with plant metabolism and physiology, compromising productivity. One tactic to minimize the effects of heatwaves on agriculture is the use of bio-stimulants. This study evaluated two commercial products (Baltiko^® and Acadian^®) containing Ascophyllum nodosum in ‘Aliança’ papaya (Carica papaya L.) seedlings. Six doses (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 mL L⁻¹) were applied weekly for four weeks at two distinct times, considering moderate and high temperatures. The results indicated distinct effects on gas exchange, seedling development, and nutrient content in leaves and roots. During the moderate temperature period, increasing doses enhanced gas exchange and aerial development, along with increases in potassium and boron levels in the leaves, while root growth decreased. Acadian^® provided higher levels of boron in leaves and roots compared to Baltiko^®. During the period of elevated temperature, increases were observed in leaf area, root dry mass, and leaf content of phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and zinc, along with potassium in the roots. These increases were primarily attributed to the effects of the applied biostimulants. A lower dose (3 mL L⁻¹) is recommended during mild temperatures, while a higher dose (6 mL L⁻¹) is suggested for elevated temperatures.

Understanding the growth patterns of genotypes optimizes their selection and management. The objective of this study is to investigate the seasonal variations in the morphology and biochemistry of Coffea canephora clone leaves, considering climatic conditions and the maturation cycle. Morphological characteristics and carbohydrate contents of the leaves were analyzed throughout the growth cycle. A nonlinear logistic model was applied, and critical points of the leaf emission rates of plagiotropic branches were determined. Leaf growth was greater at higher temperatures during the rainy periods and lower at milder temperatures during the dry season. Genotype 143 exhibited the largest leaf width in spring, while 104, A1, and P2 had the largest leaf width in summer. The logistic model was suitable for describing leaf emission, with the critical points of genotype 143 being earlier, while P2 displayed a longer leaf emission cycle. The peak growth period influenced the quantities of starch and total soluble sugars in the leaves. The dormancy period showed a higher availability of reducing sugars. Pearson correlation indicated significant coefficients between temperature, precipitation, photoperiod, and foliar characteristics. The results obtained serve as a reference for future investigations, particularly in response to environmental challenges.

Coffea canephora is predominantly grown in monoculture in Brazil, particularly in areas with full sunlight. However, adverse climatic conditions, such as prolonged droughts and rising temperatures, are increasingly affecting the major coffee-producing regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of rubber tree shading on the productivity and cup quality of 31 clones of C. canephora, cultivated in the northern region of Espírito Santo state. Thirty-one C. canephora clones were evaluated under three shading conditions: full sunlight, morning shade, and afternoon shade. The parameters analyzed included thousand-seed weight, quantity of beneficiated green coffee beans, yield, the number of ripe fruits required to produce a 60 kg bag of green coffee beans, and sensory analysis. The results showed that coffee clones grown in afternoon shade had a reduced yield per plant but produced heavier beans and better beverage quality. Clones 02, 03, 16, 19, 31, 99, 120, and 143 stood out with the highest yields, while clones 46 and 106 exhibited the lowest. Additionally, the yield analysis revealed that the production of green grains was significantly affected by the growing conditions, with the most productive clones thriving under full sunlight. The afternoon shade may reduce yield, but it improves grain weight and beverage quality, making it a viable strategy for C. canephora clones. Selection should prioritize yield and quality in shaded environments. Key words: Consortium; conilon; rubber tree.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds from early and late maturing Coffea canephora clones, aiming to identify the ideal harvest time. The fruits were collected every two weeks from 188 days after anthesis (DAA) and characterized as green, cane green, cherry, and dry. The seeds were evaluated for water content, germination percentage, normal and abnormal seedlings, nongerminated seeds and dead seeds, vigor index, hypocotyl, and root length. Seed germination of the early maturing clone started at 202 DAA, while that of the late maturing clone started at 230 DAA, with both clones showing a water content of 63% and a dry mass of 37%. Although the optimum harvest point was identified at the cherry ripening stage, it was found that the late maturing clone showed a more pronounced variation in the maturation process, directly impacting the physiological quality of the seeds. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the maturation stages and the physiological quality of the seeds. For the early maturing clone, the maximum physiological quality was recorded at 244 DAA, corresponding to 80% of fruits at the cherry stage, while for the late maturing clone this point was reached at 326 DAA, with 98% of the fruits ripe.

Fusarium is the main disease of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Brazil, and grafting using resistant rootstocks can be a sustainable management strategy. Several wild Piper species have been considered resistant to infection. However, further studies on the grafting process are needed to generate a safe technical recommendation for farmers. This research was carried out with the objective of evaluating the initial compatibility of grafting through the interaction between two techniques (top cleft and side cleft) and six rootstocks. The P. nigrum ‘Bragantina’ was grafted onto four wild Piper species (Piper aduncum Link, Piper tuberculatum Jacq., Piper marginatum Jacq., and Piper hispidum Kunth) and two black pepper cultivars (‘Kottanadan Broto Branco’ and ‘Bragantina’-homograft). P. tuberculatum and P. marginatum were incompatible with P. nigrum ‘Bragantina’ in the two grafting techniques. There was total suppression of leaf development with incompatible rootstocks inside cleft grafting. The wild rootstocks had twice as many shoots at the base of the seedling than the cultivars in the top cleft grafting. Side cleft grafting was able to suppress by half the shoots at the base of the rootstock, while the aerial part was maintained. Top cleft grafting provided greater survival, shooting, and leaf emission, which was more evident when using P. aduncum species as rootstock, reaching practically twice the shooting (59.3%) in comparison with the side grafting (30.6%). Therefore, the top method and the use of P. aduncum as rootstock for the production of grafted black pepper seedlings is recommended.