Physiological response of robusta coffee to different fruit trees shade

M. K. AIDOO, S. KONLAN, A. ARTHUR, I. AMOAKO-ATTAH, G. K. AWUDZI, F. OWUSU-ANSAH

Cocoa Research institute of Ghana, New Tafo-Akim, Eastern Region, Ghana

The increase in productivity of mature coffee plants is being threatened by climate change. The growth and development of mature coffee plants depend on the interaction of soil nutrient, rainfall, temperature, phenological phases and physiology of the plants. We therefore ascertained the physiological and growth mechanisms of rejuvenated robusta coffee under matured fruit trees avocado, citrus and coconut, and sole coffee (non-shade) treatment that reflects common practice. Relative chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency, stomatal conductance, relative water content and phenological parameters were investigated during wet (November 2022) and dry (January 2023) seasons of Ghana. Rejuvenated coffee plants under avocado trees increased relative chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency and marginally reduced stomatal conductance, relative water content as well as leaf phenology during the dry season compared to non-shaded sole coffee and coffee-citrus and coffee-coconut intercrops. Rejuvenating robuster under the fruit trees enhanced the tight regulation of stomatal conductance, photochemical efficiency, relative chlorophyll content and reduced morphology in response to field conditions.