LAUSR

BACKGROUND The importance of pollination is recognized worldwide. This study investigates the influence of biotic pollination on the chemical composition of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivated in the municipalities of Araguari and Monte Carmelo, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Twenty samples were analyzed, of which 10 were biotically pollinated (P) and 10 non-biotically pollinated (NP). Analyzes of bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and centesimal composition of coffees were performed. RESULTS The results revealed chemical differences between the P and NP samples, with significantly higher levels of the bioactive compounds caffeine, trigonelline, and chlorogenic acids in the P samples. The findings indicated that pollination of the coffee plants assisted germination and made the beans less liable to attack by external agents. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that pollination services are important mechanisms affecting the chemical composition of coffee beans. Considering that the compounds evaluated are precursors of volatile compounds in coffee, this directly affects the quality of the beans. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.