Selection of Conilon coffee clones for the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Recently, the cultivation of Coffea canephora species has expanded as a consequence of climate change effects and emerging markets that use this coffee as raw material. To meet such demands of production, it is necessary to also improve yield in cultivated areas. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate Conilon coffee clones to identify the most promising fitting material for the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, as well as to analyze the effect of the genotype x biennium interaction and estimate correlation coefficients among evaluated characteristics. Vegetative vigor, yield, main pests and diseases were evaluated in 36 clones from Incaper, ES. The statistical analyses considered the averages of each biennium: Biennium 1 (B1) - 2005/2006; Biennium 2 (B2) - 2007/2008; Biennium 3 (B3) - 2009/2010, and also the average of three biennia (A3B). Univariate and joint statistical analysis were performed, as well as estimates of phenotypic, genotypic and environmental correlation coefficients among assessed characteristics. A wide variability among clones was observed for most of the evaluated characteristics for both each biennium and the average of three biennia. The severities of most diseases have reduced over the years of cultivation. The genotypic correlation coefficients have overcome phenotypic and environmental ones. In general, pests and diseases severities showed significant and negative correlations with vegetative vigor and yield. On the other hand, the last two characteristics were positively correlated. It was also evidenced a certain diversity among clones for most of the evaluated traits. Clone x biennium interaction was significant only for yield and leaf rust severity. There are negative correlations among the characteristics associated with yield and pests and diseases occurrences, which make it possible the use of yield variable as a selection parameter. Clones 24, 23, 28, 26, 21, 29 and 06 MG/ES present a higher potential for cultivation in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais.