Studies of the Physiology of CoHea Arabica I. Photosynthesis of Coffee Leaves under Natural Conditions

Abstract

I N certain of the coffee-growing areas of East Africa a serious trouble known as 'overbearing and die-back' occurs. This has been described (Nutman, 1933) and evidence presented for the view that the heavy demands for carbohydrate by the developing crop exhaust the reserves, and exceed the normal daily carbon income of the tree. The branches then die back; the greater part of the feeding roots is lost and not regenerated; and the tree is permanently injured. Although it may not die for several years it remains unproductive.