Factors that influence yield in close-spaced coffee, 1: Light, dry matter production and plant water status.

Abstract

Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) flux, dry matter production and partitioning and leaf water potential were compared in five tree densities with and without irrigation using the coffee cultivar SL28. The effect of PAR flux through the tree canopy on fruit, foliage and wood dry weight yield is discussed. It is concluded that the downward flux of PAR through the coffee canopy more than any other factor was the major determinant of fruit production