Enhancing Coffee Robusta Cultivation in Egypt: A Comprehensive Investigation on the Synergy Role of Shade Management and PGPR on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth

Abstract

Coffee (Coffea spp.) is one of the most valuable commodities globally, in Egypt, coffee farming is predominantly small-scale, the focus lies on hardier Robusta variety, due to its resilience to local climatic conditions and require less water. This study explores the influence of Plant Growth Promoters Rhizobium (PGPR) and shade levels on the cultivation and growth of coffee Robusta (C. rubsta Pierre
or C. canephora) in Egypt. Conducted over 15 months from March 2022 to June 2023, the experiment utilized a split-plot design with three replicates.to assess the impact of four shade levels (0, 40, 50, 60 %) with and without PGPR. Notably, the interaction between shade and PGPR significantly influenced the boasted the highest seed germination rate %, earlier seed germination time. Seedlings under shade 60% treated with a combination of PGPR exhibited the highest plant high, root number and length was observed. For the leaves development, there was a different influence of shade and PGPR individually or combined in the various stages of plant growth. The study demonstrates that the strategic use and controlled of shade levels and PGPR can substantially and significantly enhance the growth of coffee Robusta seedlings. These findings offer an effective and promising approach thereby increasing coffee production efficiency and sustainability for coffee farming in Egyptian.