The development of shoot and roots, photosynthetic gas exchange and mineral composition of Coffea plants were studied in 'Apoatã' IAC 2258 (C. canephora), 'Bangelan' IAC col. 5 (C. congensis X C. canephora); 'Catuaí' IAC 144 (C. arabica); 'Excelsa' (C. liberica, var. dewevrei) and 'Piatã' (IAC 387) (C. arabica X C. liberica var. dewevrei), in order to know their potential as rootstock for C. arabica. The studies were carried out with young plants grown under shade in plastic bag and PVC tubes containig soil, and in four year-old plants grown in unshaded field conditions. 'Bangelan' had longer tap roots and more secondary roots than 'Catuaí' and 'Piatã'. Potassium content in leaves of 'Piatã', 'Apoatã' and 'Bangelan' were higher than in 'Catuaí' and 'Excelsa'. In the field, under lower availability of water and nutrients, phosphorus content in leaves of 'Apoatã' and 'Piatã' was higher than 'Catuaí' and 'Excelsa'. 'Catuaí' showed the best efficiency in the absorption of micronutrients B, Cu, Mn and Zn, but not Fe. Significant decreases of photosynthetic rate, stomatal condutance and transpiration were observed in the afternoon. Under soil water deficit conditions the decreases were more intense in 'Apoatã' and 'Excelsa', and less in 'Catuaí' and 'Piatã', as compared to the values observed without water restriction. The photosynthetic rate of 'Apoatã' was the least influenced by soil water content. The results point out that 'Bangelan' and 'Apoatã' have suitable characteristics as rootstocks for C. arabica.
coffee; root; shoot; nutrient content; gas exchange
