Abstract:
The aim of this work was to evaluate the combined effects of ↑[CO2]atm and water availability in water relations, gas exchange and carbohydrate accumulation in Coffea arabica L. Plants were cultivated under 400 and 760 ppm of CO2 in open top chambers. For each [CO2]atm, plants were divided into two groups and submitted to the following water regimes: daily watering and withholding watering for 7, 10, 14 and 37 days, followed by daily rehydration for 7 days. From day 10 on, significant changes in leaf water potential were observed in plants under water suppression in both treatments, with total recovery after rehydration. The A was higher in plants submitted to ↑[CO2]atm, even under water suppression, compared to the daily watering regime. No change in the leaf carbohydrate content was observed in plants cultivated under ↑[CO2]atm and water restriction when compared to those under ↑[CO2]atm and daily watered treatment. However, plants submitted to 400 ppm CO2 and water restriction showed a significant decrease in the sugar content, mainly in the leaves. Starch contents did not change in response to CO2 and water treatments. An increase in the rates of leaf proline was observed at the beginning of water restriction, but decreased throughout the experiment. Our results indicate a mitigating effect of the ↑CO2 on water deficit through the maintenance of carbohydrate accumulation of coffee plants.
