Conservation of seeds of coffee (Coffea canephora Pierri) cultivar Apoata-IAC2258 for the production of rootstocks

The best storage condition for coffee (Coffea canephora) seeds used for the production of rootstocks for C. arabica plants was studied. A completely randomized design in factorial arrangement (2 x 2 x 6) with 4 replications was used. Seeds of cv. Apoata IAC-2258 with initial moisture contents of 23 and 41 per cent were stored in a Higrostat box (80 per cent relative humidity and 20 deg C) or in a cold chamber (10 deg C and 50 per cent relative humidity). Seed germination, vigour and water content at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months of storage were evaluated. Seeds with an initial moisture content of 41 per cent and stored for 5 months at 80 per cent relative humidity and 20 deg C maintained the physiological quality required for rootstock production.