Author(s): FROTA, G. J.; SANTOS, H. O. dos; TIRELLI, G. V.; REALE, A. L.; ROSA, S. D. V. F. da; PEREIRA, W. V. S.

Summary: Physiological conditioning is reported to result in faster and more uniform seedling emergence in the field and induces tolerance to environmental adversities. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of physiological conditioning on Coffea arabica L. seeds and drying rates through germination tests and enzymatic activity. C. arabica seeds from Catuaí Amarelo, with water contents of 43, 35 and 12%, were conditioned with distilled water, cathodic and anodic water, ascorbic acid, and sodium nitroprusside. The efficiency of the treatments was analyzed through tests of germination, emergence, electrical conductivity, and seedling growth. The activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase were also measured. No priming agent was found to improve germination on seeds dried up to 12% water content, as little or no differences were found for those at 43%, while either ascorbic acid or sodium nitroprusside effectively improved vigor on 35% water content seeds. Our results indicate that sodium nitroprusside or ascorbic acid can be used as molecules to improve coffee seed vigor.

Publication year: 2024

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Coffee

Keywords: Coffea Arábica