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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 24283

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Prof. Dr. Fábio Luiz Partelli

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Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29500-000, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Interests: coffee breeding; physiology; biochemistry; production; management; harvesting and processing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Vieira Henrique Duarte

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Departamento de Fitotecnia, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Brazil
Interests: coffee breeding; physiology; production; management; harvesting and processing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world and contains many ingredients that are beneficial to human health. It is grown worldwide, and is the source of many economic benefits. However, the yield and quality of coffee are currently affected by a range of factors, for example, a lack of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties, post-harvest storage and processing issues, and climate change. Hence, seeking improvements through different breeding methods is essential to overcome the current constraints on the production and quality of coffee.

This Special Issue aims to collect research on coffee breeding and stress biology, as well as to explore the main issues surrounding coffee production and understand the physiological and post-harvest biological mechanisms of coffee plants. We welcome scientific works (original research articles, reviews, and short opinions) related to the understanding of the physiology of the coffee plant, and well-designed research studies that address the main constraints of coffee production.

Prof. Dr. Fábio Luiz Partelli
Prof. Dr. Vieira Henrique Duarte
Guest Editors

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Keywords

coffee breeding
stress biology
coffee production
post-harvest physiology of coffee
coffee processing

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 210 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology

by Fábio Luiz Partelli and Henrique Duarte Vieira

Plants 2024, 13(14), 1912; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13141912 - 11 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1041

Abstract

Currently, 130 species of the genus Coffea have been identified [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

Research

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20 pages, 4210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Diversity and Genetic Parameters of Coffea canephora Clones

by Caroline de Souza Bezerra, Jennifer Souza Tomaz, Mágno Sávio Ferreira Valente, Marcelo Curitiba Espindula, Ricardo Lívio Santos Marques, Hugo Cesar Tadeu, Fábio Medeiros Ferreira, Gabriel de Sousa Silva, Carlos Henrique Salvino Gadelha Meneses and Maria Teresa Gomes Lopes

Plants 2023, 12(23), 4052; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12234052 - 1 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

The simultaneous analysis of the maximum number of chemical elements present in plant tissues provides more comprehensive information about their chemical constitution and increases the number of characteristics for the selection process in various plant breeding programs. The objective of this study was to analyze productivity, grain yield, and concentration of chemical elements in tissues of Coffea canephora clones to study phenotypic diversity and estimate genetic parameters for use in breeding. This experiment was carried out in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, in randomized blocks with four replications. The concentrations of elements in various organs were quantified using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). Genetic parameters and genetic divergence were estimated, and genotypes were clustered using the UPGMA hierarchical method and non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis. The study allowed us to differentiate the performance of the clones in terms of the absorption of essential and non-essential chemical elements for plant development and to analyze the correlation of the characteristics in the selection process. TXRF efficiently characterizes the presence and concentration of multiple elements, aiding genotype discrimination for C. canephora improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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16 pages, 2539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic Plasticity Index as a Strategy for Selecting Water-Stress-Adapted Coffee Genotypes

by Cyntia Stephania dos Santos, Ana Flavia de Freitas, Glauber Henrique Barbosa da Silva, João Paulo Pennacchi, Milene Alves Figueiredo de Carvalho, Meline de Oliveira Santos, Tatiana Silveira Junqueira de Moraes, Juliana Costa de Rezende Abrahão, Antonio Alves Pereira, Gladyston Rodrigues Carvalho, Cesar Elias Botelho and Vania Aparecida Silva

Plants 2023, 12(23), 4029; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12234029 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2162

Abstract

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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13 pages, 1334 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

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

by Raquel Schmidt, Cleidson Alves da Silva, Larícia Olária Emerick Silva, Marcelo Curitiba Espindula, Weverton Pereira Rodrigues, Henrique Duarte Vieira, Marcelo Antonio Tomaz and Fábio Luiz Partelli

Plants 2023, 12(19), 3476; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12193476 - 4 Oct 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1883

Abstract

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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19 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth and Leaf Gas Exchange Upregulation by Elevated [CO₂] Is Light Dependent in Coffee Plants

by Antonio H. de Souza, Ueliton S. de Oliveira, Leonardo A. Oliveira, Pablo H. N. de Carvalho, Moab T. de Andrade, Talitha S. Pereira, Carlos C. Gomes Junior, Amanda A. Cardoso, José D. C. Ramalho, Samuel C. V. Martins and Fábio M. DaMatta

Plants 2023, 12(7), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071479 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2838

Abstract

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants have been assorted as highly suitable to growth at elevated [CO₂] (eC_a), although such suitability is hypothesized to decrease under severe shade. We herein examined how the combination of eC_a and contrasting irradiance affects growth and photosynthetic performance. Coffee plants were grown in open-top chambers under relatively high light (HL) or low light (LL) (9 or 1 mol photons m⁻² day⁻¹, respectively), and aC_a or eC_a (437 or 705 μmol mol^–1, respectively). Most traits were affected by light and CO₂, and by their interaction. Relative to aC_a, our main findings were (i) a greater stomatal conductance (g_s) (only at HL) with decreased diffusive limitations to photosynthesis, (ii) greater g_s during HL-to-LL transitions, whereas g_s was unresponsive to the LL-to-HL transitions irrespective of [CO₂], (iii) greater leaf nitrogen pools (only at HL) and higher photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency irrespective of light, (iv) lack of photosynthetic acclimation, and (v) greater biomass partitioning to roots and earlier branching. In summary, eC_a improved plant growth and photosynthetic performance. Our novel and timely findings suggest that coffee plants are highly suited for a changing climate characterized by a progressive elevation of [CO₂], especially if the light is nonlimiting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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17 pages, 3433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photosystem II Performance of Coffea canephora Seedlings after Sunscreen Application

by Débora Moro Soela, Edney Leandro da Vitória, Antelmo Ralph Falqueto, Luis Felipe Oliveira Ribeiro, Cátia Aparecida Simon, Luciano Rastoldo Sigismondi, Rodrigo Fraga Jegeski and Leandro Demetriu Becatiini Pereira

Plants 2023, 12(7), 1467; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071467 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2183

Abstract

In the conilon coffee tree, the stress caused by high light can reduce the photosynthetic rate, limit the development and also reduce the yield of beans. Considering that the quality of a sunscreen spray can influence photosynthetic performance, the goal was to understand the iterations between the quality of the spray and the variation of the chlorophyll a fluorescence when applying sunscreen on conilon coffee trees. The parameters coverage, volumetric median diameter, density, droplet deposition, and the variation of the chlorophyll a fluorescence were evaluated. The nozzle and application rate factors did not show direct effects in the physiological responses of the plants. Plants with no sunscreen application showed high values of energy dissipation flux. The photosystem II (PSII) performance index and PSII photochemical maximum efficiency indicate that the use of sunscreen for plants promotes better performance of photosynthetic activity and that it provides photoprotection against luminous stress, regardless of the application rate and spraying nozzle; however, we recommend using the application rate of 100 L ha⁻¹ and the cone jet nozzle type because they provide lower risks of product loss due to runoff. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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15 pages, 2150 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Nutritional Balance and Genetic Diversity of Coffea canephora Genotypes

by Maria Juliete Lucindo Rodrigues, Cleidson Alves da Silva, Heder Braun and Fábio Luiz Partelli

Plants 2023, 12(7), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071451 - 26 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2032

Abstract

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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14 pages, 4089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by André Monzoli Covre, Flavia Alves da Silva, Gleison Oliosi, Caio Cezar Guedes Correa, Alexandre Pio Viana and Fabio Luiz Partelli

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3274; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233274 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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Review

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14 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessReview

Small RNAs: Promising Molecules to Tackle Climate Change Impacts in Coffee Production

by Kellen Kauanne Pimenta de Oliveira, Raphael Ricon de Oliveira and Antonio Chalfun-Junior

Plants 2023, 12(20), 3531; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203531 - 11 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2031

Abstract

Over the centuries, human society has evolved based on the ability to select and use more adapted species for food supply, which means making plant species tastier and more productive in particular environmental conditions. However, nowadays, this scenario is highly threatened by climate change, especially by the changes in temperature and greenhouse gasses that directly affect photosynthesis, which highlights the need for strategic studies aiming at crop breeding and guaranteeing food security. This is especially worrying for crops with complex phenology, genomes with low variability, and the ones that support a large production chain, such as Coffea sp. L. In this context, recent advances shed some light on the genome function and transcriptional control, revealing small RNAs (sRNAs) that are responsible for environmental cues and could provide variability through gene expression regulation. Basically, sRNAs are responsive to environmental changes and act on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing pathways that regulate gene expression and, consequently, biological processes. Here, we first discuss the predicted impact of climate changes on coffee plants and coffee chain production and then the role of sRNAs in response to environmental changes, especially temperature, in different species, together with their potential as tools for genetic improvement. Very few studies in coffee explored the relationship between sRNAs and environmental cues; thus, this review contributes to understanding coffee development in the face of climate change and towards new strategies of crop breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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24 pages, 2089 KiB

Open AccessReview

Description of an Arabica Coffee Ideotype for Agroforestry Cropping Systems: A Guideline for Breeding More Resilient New Varieties

by Jean-Christophe Breitler, Hervé Etienne, Sophie Léran, Lison Marie and Benoit Bertrand

Plants 2022, 11(16), 2133; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162133 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4705

Abstract

Climate change (CC) is already impacting Arabica coffee cultivation in the intertropical zone. To deal with this situation, it is no longer possible to manage this crop using industrial agriculture techniques, which has been the main strategy implemented since the Green Revolution. Developing a more sustainable agriculture system that respects people and the environment is essential to guarantee future generations’ access to natural resources. In the case of Arabica coffee, the solution has been found. Agroforestry is proposed as an ecosystem-based strategy to mitigate and adapt to CC. At least 60% of Arabica coffee is produced in agroforestry systems (AFSs), which are the most sustainable way to produce coffee. Nevertheless, AFS coffee cultivation is currently uncompetitive partly because all modern varieties, selected for full-sun intensive cropping systems, have low yields in shaded environments. Here we review the reasons why agroforestry is part of the solution to CC, and why no breeding work has been undertaken for this cropping system. Based on the literature data, for breeding purposes we also define for the first time one possible coffee ideotype required for AFS coffee cultivation. The four main traits are: (1) productivity based on F1 hybrid vigor, tree volume and flowering intensity under shade; (2) beverage quality by using wild Ethiopian accessions as female progenitors and selecting for this criterion using specific biochemical and molecular predictors; (3) plant health to ensure good tolerance to stress, especially biotic; and (4) low fertilization to promote sustainable production. For each of these traits, numerous criteria with threshold values to be achieved per trait were identified. Through this research, an ecosystem-based breeding strategy was defined to help create new F1 hybrid varieties within the next 10 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coffee Breeding and Stress Biology)

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