Arabica coffee grown in conventional and agro-ecological systems in Minas Gerais

Abstract

In general, arabica coffee crops are cultivated in a conventional manner, which has caused
great damage to the environment and human health. Management alternatives have been
pointed out, but it is necessary to understand how these crops can influence the productive
capacity of coffee trees. The objective of this study was to compare four production systems:
organic (full sun and woody) and conventional (full sun and woody) in Oratórios, MG. The vegetative
vigor, productivity, the leaf rust severity, the brown eye spot severity and the severity
of the attack of miner were evaluated. All systems showed a low incidence of diseases and
pests, with emphasis on the woody (organic and conventional) with smaller attack of miner and
the organic (full sun and woody) with coffee trees more vigorous, productive and with lower
the brown eye spot severities. Based on the initial evaluations, the organic system provides the
best growing conditions for the arabica coffee.