Analysis of yield variation in coffee under different canopy shades.
Gupta C. R., Awasthi O. P.
Author Affiliation: Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Jagdalpur-494 005, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Horticultural Journal 12 : 61-65
Abstract : To evaluate the possibility of coffee production in the non-traditional and tribal area of Bastar Plateau, Madhya Pradesh, India, yield variation in Coffea robusta [C. canephora] cv. Sanramon under different canopy shades was analysed. The experiment was conducted on 5-year-old plants grown without shade, or with shade provided by mango, mango + banana, guava, guava + banana or teak [Tectona grandis]. Mango, guava and teak were aged 50, 10 and 45 years, respectively. Fresh and dry coffee berry weights/plant and dry berry yield/ha were recorded over 5 years (1991-96). The coffee yield was highest (mean for 5 years of 345 kg/ha) under mango + banana, followed by guava + banana (294 kg/ha), with lower yields in pure stands of mango, guava and teak. Yield was zero under control conditions (no shade).