Evaluation of containers and plastic covering for coffee seedlings, for protection against low temperatures - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v26i4.1797

Abstract

The production of coffee seedlings in the south and southeast regions of Brazil is constrained by eventual frosts. The protection of coffee seedlings, which are grown by the utilization of containers and plastic coverings, was evaluated in Londrina, State of Parana, during the winter of 2000. The utilized plastic coverings were composed of single and double layers of black and white polyethylene. The seedlings produced in both materials were also evaluated in cold chamber, in order to verify the vulnerability of root system. The temperatures of leaves and root system were monitored by thermocouples connected to a data logger. The results of this experiment showed that plastic coverings of double layers were efficient to protect the seedlings against low night temperature of leaves. The seedlings produced in containers showed lower temperatures in the roots, which suggests more susceptibility to frost damages. Therefore, a special caution must be taken with seedlings grown in containers during the winter, in order to avoid frost damages