RESUMO: A variabilidade genética é a base para o progresso genético em café. Este estudo teve como objetivo, avaliar o potencial de caracteres morfoagronômicos e anatômicos foliares em estudos de variabilidade genética entre cultivares de Coffea canephora. Dez genótipos foram distribuídos em um experimento seguindo delineamento em blocos ao acaso com três repetições. Foram detectadas diferenças significativas entre os genótipos pelo teste F (P < 0,05) para 13 dos 15 caracteres avaliados. Esses resultados evidenciaram a heterogeneidade entre as cultivares estudadas, o que é essencial para a composição da base genética e avanço dos programas de melhoramento. O teste de Scott e Knott detectou as diferenças entre os genótipos, separando-os em quatro grupos. Os caracteres anatômicos foliares apresentaram as maiores variações. Cinco, dentre os sete caracteres anatômicos foliares, apresentaram estimativas de herdabilidade superiores a 80% com destaque para a densidade estomática (95,69%) e comprimento do poro estomático (92,72%). Correlações positivas foram observadas entre caracteres morfoagronômicos e anatômicos foliares. A análise de agrupamento, considerando a distância de Mahalanobis como medida de dissimilaridade (D²), apontou a distinção de dois grupos de genótipos. A inclusão de caracteres anatômicos foliares na caracterização de genótipos de C. canephora pode auxiliar os melhoristas de plantas na melhor discriminação entre genótipos e maior segurança na seleção de clones para geração de novas cultivares.

ABSTRACT: Genetic variability is the basis for coffee genetic breeding. This study evaluated the potential of leaf anatomy and morpho-agronomic traits in studies of genetic variability in C. canephoracultivars. Ten genotypes were distributed in randomized block designs with three replicates. Significant differences among genotypes were detected by F-test (P < 0.05) for 13 of 15 evaluated traits. These results evidenced the heterogeneity of the studied cultivars, which is essential in composition of genetic basis in breeding programs. The Scott-Knott test detected variability among genotypes, grouped into up to four mean groups. Leaf anatomy traits presented the largest variations. Five out of seven leaf anatomy traits presented heritability higher than 80%, with emphasis on stomatal density (95.69%) and stomatal pore length (92.72%). Positive correlations were observed among morpho-agronomic and anatomic traits. Cluster analysis used the Mahalanobis general distance (D2) as a measure of genetic dissimilarity and divided the genotypes into two distinct groups. The inclusion of leaf anatomic traits to characterize C. canephoragenotypes may assist plant breeders with better genetic discrimination and with greater security in plant selection when composing cultivars.

ABSTRACT A comprehensive knowledge about micronutrient dynamics in leaves and bunches of black pepper is needed in order to proper diagnose nutrient needs, and thus facilitate fertilization management. This study aimed to evaluate micronutrient concentration and accumulation in leaves and bunches of black pepper bunches to understand the crop nutritional demand. The experiment was carried out on in a commercial field of Piper nigrum ‘Bragantina’ located in São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Composite samples of leaves and bunches were taken periodically during two crop cycles and the concentration of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B were assessed. The micronutrient accumulation curves behaved linearly and quadratically, reaching the maximum accumulation point during the time of harvesting. Fe, Mn and B were the micronutrients with highest concentration in both bunches and leaves of black pepper. The nutrient concentration in leaf tissues varied seasonally. These results may contribute to a more sustainable agriculture, in which fertilization rates should consider different needs through the crop stage.

RESUMO: O acúmulo de nutrients em plantas/frutos variam de acordo com o estádio de desenvolvimento das culturas, sendo que sua quantificação é importante na determinação da exportação de nutrientes para o planejamento da adubação e para o balanceamento de nutrientes. Esse estudo objetivou determinar o acúmulo de nutrientes em diferentes partes dos cachos de Piper nigrum ‘Bragantina’ colhidos em dois estágios de maturação (coloração da casca verde e coloração da casca vermelha). As avaliações foram feitas separadamente nos cachos de Piper nigrum com coloração verde (fruto e pedúnculo) e vermelha (grão, casca e pedúnculo), em que os cachos foram colhidos, secos e as partes foram separadas para análises químicas. N e Mn foram os macro e micronutrientes mais acumulados nos frutos dos cachos com coloração da casca verde e nos grãos dos cachos com coloração da casca vermelha, enquanto K e B foram mais acumulados em outras partes da planta, independente do estágio de maturação. O processo de removação da casca para produção de pimenta branca levou a uma diferença na concentração e no acúmulo de nutrientes nos frutos de pimenta preta e nos grãos de pimenta branca. Uma contribuição significativa para entrada de nutrientes pode ser obtida se as cascas e pedúnculos forem mantidos na área de cultivo, o que diminui a dependência de fertilização, contribuindo para uma agricultura mais sustentável.

ABSTRACT: Nutrients accumulation in plants/fruits varies according to the crop development stage and its quantification is important to determine nutrients exportation for fertilization planning and nutrient balancing. This study determined the accumulation of nutrients in different parts of Piper nigrum ‘Bragantina’ spikes harvested at two ripening stages (still-green and red-colored spikes). Assessments in separate parts of still-green spikes (fruits and peduncles) as well as in red-colored spikes (grains, flesh and peduncles) were performed. Piper nigrum spikes were harvested, dried, and the parts were thereafter separated for chemical analysis. N and Mn were the macro and micronutrient most accumulated in the fruits of still-green spikes and in the grains of red-colored spikes, while K and B were most accumulated in the other parts of black pepper assessed, regardless of the ripening stage. The process of removing the flesh from the fruits for white pepper production led to a difference in nutrient concentration and accumulation between the fruits of still-green spikes and the grains of red-colored spikes. A significant contribution of nutrient input can be achieved by maintained flesh and peduncles in the crop area, decreasing the dependence of external fertilizers and thus contributing to a more sustainable agriculture.

RESUMO: A determinação do nitrogênio nas plantas por técnicas que permitem um diagnóstico rápido, baseado nas características de crescimento das plantas, pode ser uma ferramenta útil para o manejo nutricional das plantas de café. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características de crescimento e rendimento do café conilon irrigado em resposta à diferentes níveis de nitrogênio, resultando na determinação dos níveis mínimos de N necessárias para atingir o rendimento máximo, aqui chamadas de níveis críticos. O experimento foi realizado em Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brasil, em plantações de café conilon, variedade clonal Emcapa 8111, genótipo 02. Foram aplicados seis níveis de nitrogênio (0, 110, 220, 440, 880 e 1320 kg N ha-1) e a resposta em características de crescimento e rendimento foi periodicamente avaliada. Houve um efeito positivo do aumento dos níveis de N sobre o rendimento, na medida em que os níveis de N que forneceram 95% do rendimento máximo (137,4 sacos ha-1 e 108,5 sacos ha-1) nas estações de crescimento 2012/2013 e 2013/2014, respectivamente, foram de 420,7 e 543,1 kg de N ha-1. Houve também um efeito positivo dos níveis de N sobre as características de crescimento e conteúdo de nitrogênio, indicando seu uso como ferramentas para um diagnóstico nutricional rápido, com o objetivo de otimizar o manejo de nitrogênio no café Conilon.

ABSTRACT: The determination of nitrogen in plants by techniques that allow a fast diagnosis, based on plant growth characteristics, can be a useful tool for the nutritional management of coffee plants. Thus, this study evaluated growth and yield characteristics of irrigated conilon coffee in response to different nitrogen levels, resulting in the determination of the minimum N levels required to achieve the maximum yield, here called critical levels. The experiment was carried out in Colatina, Espirito Santo, Brazil, on plantations of conilon coffee, clonal variety Emcapa 8111, genotype 02. Six nitrogen levels were applied (0, 110, 220, 440, 880 and 1320 kg N ha-1) and the response in growth and yield characteristics periodically evaluated. There was a positive effect of the increasing N levels on yield, in that the N levels that provided 95% of the maximum yield (137.4 bags ha-1 and 108.5 bags ha-1) in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 growing seasons, respectively, were 420.7 and 543.1 kg N ha-1. There was also a positive effect of N levels on the growth characteristics and nitrogen contents, indicating their use as tools for a rapid nutritional diagnosis, with a view to optimizing the nitrogen management in Conilon coffee.

Abstract This study analyzed the genetic diversity in Coffea canephora genotypes by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, based on concentrations of macro- and micronu trients in coffee leaves in the stages of pre-flowering and grain filling. The experiment was arranged in randomized blocks with three replications, in a 42x2 factorial design, in which factor one represented the evaluated genotypes and factor two the periods of leaf sampling, i.e., pre-flowering and grain filling. The data of leaf nutrient concentrations were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test (p <0.01), and genetic parameters were estimated. For the study of genetic diversity, the genotypes were grouped by the hierarchical unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA). The relative importance of a trait to predict genetic diversity was also studied. There is genetic divergence for leaf nutrient concentration in C. canephora genotypes. With a maximum limit of 60% of dissimilarity between genotypes, four groups were also formed by UPGMA. For the 42 evaluated geno types, leaf S concentration was the most important trait for genetic diversity; this genotypic variability should be investigated to enhance the efficiency of nutritional diagnosis.

Resumen Este estudio analizó la diversidad genética en los genotipos de Coffea canephora mediante análisis estadístico univariado y multivariado, basado en las concentraciones de macro y micronutrientes en las hojas de café en las etapas de pre-floración y llenado de granos. El experimento se organizó en bloques aleatorios con tres repeticiones, en un diseño factorial de 42x2, donde el factor uno representaba los genotipos evaluados y el factor dos los períodos de muestreo de hojas, es decir, pre-floración y llenado de granos. Los datos de las concentraciones nutricionales de las hojas se sometieron a un análisis de varianza mediante la prueba F (p <0,01), y se estimaron los parámetros genéticos. Para el estudio de la diversidad genética, los genotipos se agruparon por el método jerárquico de pares de grupos no ponderados, utilizando medios aritméticos (UPGMA). También se ha estudiado la importancia relativa de un rasgo para predecir la diversidad genética. Existe divergencia genética para la concentración de nutrientes en las hojas en los genotipos de C. canephora. Con un límite máximo del 60% de disimilitud entre los genotipos, el método UPGMA formó cuatro grupos. Para los 42 genotipos evaluados, la concentración de S en las hojas fue la característica más importante para la diversidad genética. La variabilidad genotípica debe investigarse para mejorar la eficiencia del diagnóstico nutricional.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento radicular e a produtividade do abacaxizeiro ‘Pérola’ em função dos parcelamentos da adubação com N e K e manejo da fertirrigação. Foram avaliados quatro diferentes parcelamentos de nitrogênio e potássio em combinação; e quatro diferentes manejos de fertirrigação. As amostras de raízes foram analisadas no software Safira e quantificou-se a área superficial, o comprimento, o volume de raízes por volume de solo, o diâmetro das raízes, a massa seca, a superfície específica e o comprimento específico. Foram quantificadas também a massa média de frutos e a produtividade média. Os diferentes parcelamentos da adubação e as alternativas de manejo da fertirrigação causaram alterações no sistema radicular do abacaxizeiro ‘Pérola’. Com relação à massa seca de raízes por cm3 de solo, plantas irrigadas e fertirrigadas, parceladas vinte e setes vezes para N e quatro para K, foi de 0,106 g.cm3, enquanto as plantas irrigadas e fertirrigadas, parceladas com cinquenta e quatro aplicações de N e quatro de potássio K, foi de 0,523 g.cm3. Quanto à produtividade e à massa média de frutos, os parcelamentos mensais e em quatro aplicações de potássio, até o nono mês de idade, promovem maiores incrementos, enquanto os parcelamentos de nitrogênio estudados não influenciaram.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate root development and productivity of ‘Pérola’ pineapple as a function of split N and K fertilization and fertigation management. Four different split nitrogen and potassium fertilizations were evaluated in combination, as well as four different fertigation managements. Root samples were analyzed using the Safira software and surface area, length, root volume per soil volume, root diameter, dry mass, specific surface and specific length were quantified. Average fruit mass and average productivity were also quantified. The different split fertilizations and fertigation management alternatives caused changes in the root system of ‘Pérola’ pineapple. Regarding dry root mass per cm3 of soil, irrigated and fertigated plants split in twenty-seven N applications and four K applications, was 0.106 g.cm3, while irrigated and fertigated plants split in fifty-four N applications and four K applications was 0.523 g.cm3. Regarding productivity and average fruit mass, monthly applications and in four K applications until the ninth month of plant age promote greater increments, while split nitrogen fertilization showed no influence.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a contribuição do número de hastes para a composição da produtividade individual das plantas e a produtividade individual e geral de cafeeiros robusta (Coffea canephora), em diferentes densidades de plantio, utilizando-se um número fixo de hastes por planta. O experimento foi realizado em duas fases. A primeira fase foi realizada entre 2011 e 2015, no município de Ouro Preto do Oeste, no estado de Rondônia (RO), para avaliar diferentes números de hastes por planta (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 e 6). A segunda fase foi conduzida entre 2013 e 2018, no município de Alta Floresta D’Oeste, RO, para avaliar densidades de plantio (a 1.666, 1.904, 2.222, 2.666 e 3.333 plantas por hectare), tendo-se utilizado a densidade inicial de quatro hastes por planta em todos os tratamentos. O incremento do número de hastes por planta promove resposta quadrática à produtividade média e acumulada dos cafeeiros, e a máxima produtividade é obtida com quatro hastes por planta. O número de hastes não deve exceder quatro, para evitar seu tombamento durante os anos de alta produção. A densidade de 3.333 plantas ha-1, com quatro hastes por planta e espaçamento de um metro, promove redução da produtividade individual das plantas, no entanto, resulta em maior produtividade geral da lavoura.

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the contribution of the number of stems to the composition of individual plant yield, and to individual and overall robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) yield at different planting densities, using a fixed number of stems per plant. The experiment was carried out in two phases. The first phase was performed from 2011 to 2015, in the municipality of Ouro Preto do Oeste, in the state of Rondônia (RO), Brazil, to evaluate different numbers of stems per plant (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). The second phase was conducted from 2013 to 2018, in the municipality of Alta Floresta D’Oeste, RO, to evaluate plant densities (at 1,666, 1,904, 2,222, 2,666, and 3,333 plants ha-1), with an initial density of four stems per plant in all treatments. The increase of number of stems per plant promotes a quadratic response to the average and cumulated yield of coffee plants, and the maximum yield is attained with four stems per plant. The number of stems should not exceed four, to avoid their tipping during years of high production. Plant density of 3,333 plants per hectare, with 4 stems per plant and 1 m spacing, promotes the reduction of individual plant yield; however, it results in higher overall crop yield.

ABSTRACT. To diagnose and monitor the nutritional status of commercial crops, reference standards must be established based on chemical analyses of soils and leaf tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish sufficiency ranges, DRIS standards and leaf nutritional diagnoses for palisade grass pastures in the rainy and dry seasons. Of a total of 105 sampled pastures, the 20 highest-yielding areas were used to establish reference standards. In the other, low-productivity pastures, the nutritional status was diagnosed in both the rainy and dry seasons for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn). A productivity of 15 tons ha-1 year-1 was determined as the threshold to separate high-yielding (> 15 tons ha-1 year-1) pastures from low-productivity pastures (< 15 tons ha-1 year-1). Sufficiency ranges and foliar DRIS standards were established for palisade grass pastures in the rainy and dry seasons, which resulted in the recommendation of region- and season-specific sufficiency ranges and DRIS leaf standards. In the rainy season, in more than 50% of the evaluated pastures, nutritional deficiencies in all nutrients except K, B and Zn were observed, while in the dry season, only N, P, Cu, and Mn were deficient.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a dinâmica de macronutrientes em folhas e cachos de pimenta-do-reino (Piper nigrum), ao longo dos ciclos reprodutivos da planta. O experimento foi realizado em uma lavoura comercial de pimenta-do-reino 'Bragantina'. Folhas e cachos foram amostrados a cada 21 dias, por um ano, durante dois ciclos de cultivo. Os cachos foram amostrados desde o vigésimo oitavo dia após o lançamento das inflorescências até a maturação completa dos frutos. As amostras de folhas e cachos foram secas, e os conteúdos de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S foram determinados. N, K e Ca foram os macronutrientes mais comuns nos cachos e nas folhas de pimenta-do-reino. O acúmulo de matéria seca nos cachos de pimenta-do-reino foi similar nos dois ciclos e foi ajustado aos modelos linear e quadrático. O acúmulo e o conteúdo de macronutrientes seguiram a tendência de comportamento da matéria seca. O conteúdo de macronutrientes nas folhas oscila durante o ano, e K e Mg variam mais do que N, P, Ca e S. O conteúdo de macronutrientes em folhas e cachos de pimenta-do-reino depende do estádio vegetativo da planta, e essa variação deve ser considerada no planejamento do manejo de adubação.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the macronutrient dynamics in leaves and bunches of black pepper (Piper nigrum) throughout the plant reproductive cycles. The experiment was carried out in a commercial field of 'Bragantina' black pepper. Leaves and bunches were sampled every 21 days for one year, during two crop cycles. The bunches were sampled from the twenty eighth day after the appearance of inflorescences until the complete fruit maturation. Samples of leaves and bunches were dried, and the contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were determined. N, K, and Ca were the most common macronutrients found in the bunches and leaves of black pepper. The accumulation of dry matter in the bunches was similar for both cycles and it was adjusted to the linear and quadratic models. The accumulation and content of macronutrients followed the dry matter behavior trend. Macronutrient contents in leaves oscillate during the year, and K and Mg vary more than N, P, Ca, and S. The macronutrient contents in black pepper leaves and bunches depends on the plant vegetative stage, and this variation should be considered in the planning of the fertilization management.

Abstract Tributun is a cultivar of Coffea canephora derived from breeding clones discovered by farmers. It was evaluated at 150 m asl in northern Espírito Santo for yield, plant vigor and pest and disease resistance. The cultivar with six genotypes produces a mean yield of 90.87 bags ha-1 year-1.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o sistema radicular de plantas de café conilon (Coffea canephora) e café arábica (Coffea arabica) no perfil do solo, com uso de semivariogramas. As avaliações foram realizadas em área localizada no município de Jaguaré, no estado do Espírito Santo. Foram avaliadas as cultivares Verdebrás G30/G35 do café conilon e a Catuaí Vermelho IAC 44 do café arábica. Monólitos de solo com raízes de café foram coletados em três distâncias do tronco do cafeeiro, no sentido da linha, e em seis distâncias do tronco, no sentido da entrelinha de plantio, em seis níveis de profundidade. As raízes foram coletadas e lavadas e, depois, digitalizadas e processadas no programa Safira. A variabilidade espacial dos atributos avaliados foi caracterizada pela técnica geoestatística, por meio de semivariogramas, com uso do programa GS+ 7.0. A área de superfície, o comprimento e o volume das raízes foram quantificados para as duas espécies de café. O café conilon tem tendência de apresentar sistema radicular com menor área superficial, comprimento e volume de raízes por volume de solo, bem como com distribuição menos discrepante na superfície do solo e em profundidade, em comparação ao café arábica.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the root system of Conilon coffee (Coffea canephora) and Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) plants in the soil profile, using semivariograms. The evaluations were carried out in an area located in the municipality of Jaguaré, in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The Verdebrás G30/G35 Conilon coffee and the Catuaí Vermelho IAC 44 Arabica coffee cultivars were assessed. Soil monoliths with coffee plant roots were collected at three distances from the trunk in the planting row and at six distances from the trunk between rows, at six depths. The roots were collected and washed and then digitized and processed in the Safira software. The spatial variability of the evaluated attributes was characterized by the geostatistical technique, through semivariograms, using the GS+ 7.0 software. Root surface area, length, and volume were quantified for the two coffee species. Conilon coffee plants have a tendency of showing a root system with a smaller surface area, shorter length, and lower volume by volume of soil, as well as a less discrepant distribution on soil surface and in deeper layers, compared with Arabica coffee.

Abstract Andina is a conilon coffee variety originated from a selection of clones discovered by farmers. It was cultivated and evaluated for yield and plant vigor an altitude of 850m asl. Five genotypes (A1, NV2, NV8, P1 and Verdim TA), with a mean yield of 51.3 bags per hectare per year.

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.

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.

ABSTRACT. Knowledge on the dynamics of micronutrients in coffee tree assists nutritional diagnosis and fertilization management. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration and accumulation of micronutrients in the leaves and fruits of Coffea canephora. The experiment was managed in crops propagated for 2.5 years in a split-plot-in-time scheme in which the main plots consisted of fertilized and not-fertilized plants, and the subplots stipulated the evaluation periods. The berries and leaves were collected every 28 days, starting from the first flowering to full maturity. The micronutrient content was determined by laboratory chemical analysis, and the accumulation of nutrients in the fruit (mg) was calculated by multiplying the dry matter of the berry (g) × nutrient concentration (mg kg−1). The results showed that fertilization infers the zinc concentration in the fruits and the concentration for manganese, iron and zinc in the leaves in the determined periods. Micronutrient accumulation curves followed the simple sigmoidal model, with accumulation increasing considerably as a function of fruit growth. Thus, fertilization based on micronutrients must be divided over stages with higher accumulation rates, considering the specific requirement of each nutrient.

RESUMO Plantas de pimenta do reino (Piper nigrum L.) podem apresentar alterações na atividade fotossintética devido a mudanças sazonais. O sistema de consórcio com espécies arbóreas pode representar uma alternativa para mitigar os impactos das mudanças climáticas nas culturas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as respostas fisiológicas da fotossíntese em plantas de pimenta do reino em diferentes níveis de sombreamento promovidos pelo cultivo intercalado com árvores de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. Ex A. Juss.) Müll. Arg. O desempenho fotossintético da pimenta do reino ao longo do dia foi avaliado sob o pleno sol e seis níveis de sombreamento. Os resultados mostraram que as variações positivas das trocas gasosas não dependeram exclusivamente da sombra promovida pela distância em relação à linha das árvores de seringueira no campo, mas também dependem do período do dia, a orientação (norte ou sul), relacionando a linha das árvores e a estação do ano. Os resultados indicam que pimenteiras sombreadas em consórcio apresentaram alguma vantagem em alguns casos (plantas de pimenta preta localizadas a 2 m e 5 m entre seringueiras no lado sul) quanto à taxa fotossintética ao meio dia e à tarde, especialmente no verão, quando comparadas às plantas de pimenta cultivadas condição de pleno sol, Isso provavelmente estaria relacionado com a manutenção de uma temperatura um pouco mais baixa e umidade relativa mais alta na atmosfera próxima à planta de pimenta preta, o que implicaria alguma vantagem para tal sistema de consórcio mitigar os possíveis efeitos de futuras mudanças climáticas tais como aquecimento.

ABSTRACT Plants of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) may display changes in their photosynthetic activity as a result of environmental seasonal changes. Intercropping with tree species may represent an alternative to mitigate the impacts of climatic changes on crops. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physiological responses of photosynthesis in black pepper plants under different shade levels promoted by intercropping with rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Müll. Arg. The photosynthetic performance in black pepper along the day was evaluated under full sun and five shade levels. The resulted showed that variations positives in leaf gas exchanges were not exclusively dependent on the shade promoted by the distance in relation with the line of rubber trees in the field, but also fluctuate depending on the period of the day, the orientation (Northern or Southern), relating the line of trees and the season of the year. This study showed that shaded intercropped plants displayed some advantage in a few cases (black pepper plants located at 2 m, and 5 m between rubber trees, southern side) as regards the photosynthetic rate at midday and afternoon, and especially in summer, when compared to pepper plants cultivated in full sunlight condition, That would be likely related to the to the maintenance of somewhat lower temperature and higher relative humidity in the atmosphere close to the black pepper plant implying some advantage for such consortium system to mitigate the possible effects of future climate changes, like warming.