Brown eye spot incidence during the vegetative stage of coffee grown in soil under sustainable management

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different soil coverings, fertilizer types, and soil conditioners on the incidence and severity of brown eye spot (Cercospora coffeicola) in coffee (Coffea arabica) during the vegetative stage. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, in a 3×2×5 factorial arrangement (soil coverings × fertilizer types × soil conditioners) in subdivided plots, with three replicates. Comparisons were made among: three soil covering (plastic film, Urochloa decumbens, and no covering) in the plots; two fertililizer types (conventional and controlled release) in the sub-plots; and four soil conditioners (coffee husk, agricultural gypsum, water retention polymer, and organic compound), as well as the control, in the sub-sub-plots. The area under the progress curve for disease incidence and severity showed the lowest mean without soil covering, whereas that for number of leaves was greater with the use of the controlled-release fertilizer. The plastic film provided a greater soil moisture and a lower soil resistance penetration. The chemical composition of the organic compound reduced coffee plants growth. Soil covering with plastic film or U. decumbens favors the high incidence of brown eye spot; however, it provides a greater soil moisture and, therefore, improves the growth of coffee plants in the vegetative stage.