Coffee Genome

Executive Summary

Coffee cultivation is of strategic importance for most of the member countries of FONTAGRO. It is one of the main agricultural products for export and foreign exchange generation in the region. Latin America is the main producer in the world of Coffea arabica, a highly appreciated species in the world market for its high quality and which represents 70% of the market. Climate change is expected to negatively affect coffee production worldwide, particularly in Latin America. The genetic improvement of coffee is a slow process, which is why modern tools are required to study the coffee genome and its biology to accelerate the development of new varieties that increase quality, productivity and protect the crop from damage associated with climate change. 

The project objective is to increase the knowledge of the coffee genome and the exploration and use of germplasm, through: 1) the construction of the physical map of coffee based on the two diploid species that originated the tetraploid species (Coffea arabica): C. eugenioides and C canephora; 2) the use of new sequencing technologies to elucidate the genes that are present in the coffee genome and 3) Development of genomic tools to facilitate the selection of coffee varieties adapted to the effects of climate change, dissemination of results and strengthening of the existing scientific network of coffee producing countries. 

The technological solution

The genetic improvement of coffee varieties is a very slow process, since it is a perennial crop. In addition, it requires extensive experimental plots and measurements during various harvests. Genomics allows the identification and location of important genes and their rapid characterization in progenies of interest and is an essential tool to assist in the genetic improvement of coffee and other perennial crops. 

Improved varieties are the cheapest alternative and the easiest technology to manage disease problems, and acquire better adaptation to climate change. 

Work with hybrid populations has shown the expression of genes that react differentially to specific growing conditions, such as shade and full sun exposure. The rapid and successful selection of materials that can behave well in both conditions will favor the formation of varieties with a high potential to respond adequately to changing climate conditions. 

Identifying gene markers for these conditions can results in significant savings in time and costs of variety development, which must be designed to respond to local conditions. 

Results

Beneficiaries

The direct beneficiaries were the dozens of researchers involved in research on the coffee genome, and the four doctoral students who carried out their thesis studies on topics related to the project at top-level universities. As well as the hundreds of researchers and professionals who participated in the events where the results were presented. 

Thousands of coffee growers in the region could benefit indirectly, when the information generated in the project is used to develop varieties that are more productive and resistant to pests and diseases and resilient to climate variability and change. 

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors