The genetic variability for frost resistance was evaluated in field conditions and cold chamber among Coffea accessions. Results showed that C. liberica var. dewevrei and C. racemosa, as well as hybrids obtained from these species were more resistant to frost. There was a great genetic variability for frost resistance among the evaluated sources (b² = 0,98). The correlation estimated between damages in the field and in the cold chamber was 0.933**, therefore, this methodology was efficient and feasible and could be potentially used in a breeding program.
Coffee crop; breeding; frost resistance; cultivar
