Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of different alternative methods of biological control in maintaining the viability of coffee seeds. For the control of fungus contamination in seeds, dehydrated and powdered medicinal plants in doses of 200 g kg^-1 of seed, were tested with chemical fungicides mancozebe (Dithane® NT 4 g kg-1 of seed), potassium sorbate (300 g L^-1) and sodium benzoate (300 g L^-1 ) and three biological products, Trichodermil® SP (1 g kg^-1 of seed), Trichodel® (50 g kg^-1 of seed) and Trichoplus® (50 g kg^-1 of seed). Samples of 200 g of seeds were conditioned in three different packages: polypropylene flasks, kraft paper bags and polyethylene + nylon bags. After, they were stored in cold chamber at 16 ± 3°C of temperature, for a period up to 15 months with evaluations for each three months. Seeds conditioned in kraft paper bags presented percentage of germination higher than those conditioned in polypropylene flasks or polyethylene + nylon bags. In seeds treated with rosmarin, garlic and Trichoplus®, there was a reduction in the total microbial, and the best germinated on 12 and 15 months of storage.

Key words: Coffea arabica, package, quality, storage.