Coffee (Coffea arabica L,var. Castillo) seedling growth in Nariño, Colombia

Coffee is one of the most socioeconomically important crops worldwide. Currently, environmental variations due to climate change are affecting coffee development and growth. Therefore, it evaluate areas that offer a different environment during seedling stage since fundamental for successful cultivation. Four municipalities located at altitudes in Department Nariño were selected: La Florida (1879 m a.s.l.), Sandoná (1924 Consacá (2001 Unión (1417 a.s.l.). The experiment was conducted as randomized complete block design. Growth variables measured five months, including total height-TH, number leaves-NL, leaf area-LA, fresh weight-FW, dry weight-W. following indices calculated from recorded: relative growth rate-RGR, area index-LAI, net assimilation rate-NAR, crop rate-CGR, duration-LAD, ratio-LAR. data related TH, NL, W, LA recorded last evaluation (120 days after being transplanted) showed differences between locations; maximum values W Union, while higher averages NL obtained Sandoná. index CGR, LAI, LAR, RGR, LAD Unión, NAR Florida. results lead conclude there depending on climatic conditions. Accordingly, highest observed lower altitudes; therefore, these recommended establishment given rate, especially leaves.