Overview of Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev.
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. is a perennial coffee plant that is known for producing one of the world's most popular beverages. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is native to the highlands of Ethiopia in East Africa. The plant is widely grown around the world, particularly in tropical countries, for its beans which are used to make coffee.
Common Names
The Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. plant is commonly known by several names, including Arabian coffee, mountain coffee, or simply Arabica. It is one of the two most popular species of coffee plant, the other being Coffea robusta.
Appearance
The Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. plant is a small evergreen shrub that can reach a height of up to 5 meters in the wild but is usually pruned to a height of around 2 meters when grown commercially. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces small fragrant flowers that are white in color and have a sweet aroma. They are followed by cherry-like fruits that are initially green but turn red when ripe.
Uses
The primary use of Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. is to produce coffee, which is made from the seeds (or beans) that are found inside the cherry-like fruits. The beans are first picked, processed, and roasted before being brewed to make coffee. Arabica is favored by many over other coffee species because it produces a milder and less bitter flavor with a higher acidity level. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headaches, and bronchitis.
In addition to its economic and health benefits, Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. is also used for landscaping purposes as it makes a beautiful ornamental plant with its glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, and bright red fruit.
Light Requirements
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. thrives in bright and indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to plant damage or death. Ideally, they should receive 3-4 hours of sunlight per day. If grown indoors, they should be placed near a window that doesn't receive full sun.
Temperature Requirements
Optimum temperature ranges between 60°F-75°F (15°C-23°C) for Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. They are sensitive to low temperatures and frost and will freeze and die below 32°F (0°C). During the winter, they should be kept in a room with a temperature that never drops below 55°F (12°C). High temperatures above 90°F (32°C) are also detrimental and can cause leaf scorching, drying, and disease.
Soil Requirements
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. grows best in well-drained, moist soil. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 6.5, slightly acidic. Avoid heavy and compact soils that retain too much water, as it can lead to root rot. A soil mix of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and loamy soil provides excellent drainage and moisture retention.
Cultivation methods for Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev.
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. requires cultivation in regions with temperatures between 60°F and 70°F, and humidity levels of around 60%. The plant also needs filtered sunlight, well-drained soils, and frequent watering.
It is advisable to grow Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. in soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The plant should be planted in raised beds or on sloping land to allow water to drain well and prevent water stagnation, which can lead to root rot.
Watering needs of Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev.
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. needs frequent watering. However, it is essential to avoid over-watering, which can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Watering the plant twice a week is recommended, but the frequency may vary depending on the soil and environmental conditions.
The plant needs more water during the flowering and fruiting stages. Watering should be reduced during the non-flowering period. It is best to water Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent moisture stress on the plant during the day.
Fertilization of Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev.
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. needs regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and produce high-quality coffee beans. The plant needs a balanced fertilizer with a 2:1:1 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Fertilizer application should be done in small and frequent doses throughout the year. Manure or compost can also be used to improve soil health and nutrient content.
Pruning Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev.
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. requires pruning to remove dead or diseased wood, promote air circulation, and maintain the plant's size and shape. Pruning is best done during the plant's dormant period, which is usually after the harvest season.
The pruning method used depends on the plant's growth habits. For Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev., a modified central leader method is commonly used, where the central leader is maintained, and lateral branches are pruned to prevent overcrowding and promote vertical growth.
It is essential to use disinfected pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases between plants. Wound dressing is also recommended to promote fast healing and reduce the risk of infections.
Propagation of Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev.
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. is commonly propagated through two methods, namely sexual and asexual propagation. The method of propagation depends on various factors such as the purpose of propagation, availability of resources, and time.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation is the most common method used in Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. This process involves a variety of methods such as cutting, layering, and grafting. Cuttings are the most popular method of asexual propagation and are used extensively. Cuttings are taken from mature branches of Coffea arabica plant and rooted in a suitable medium. The cuttings must have at least two nodes, and the leaves present on them need to be reduced by half to minimize water loss through transpiration. Layering is another form of asexual propagation, where a mature branch of Coffea arabica plant is bent downwards and buried partially in moist soil. This method helps in the development of new roots and shoots from the buried part of the branch. Grafting is another method of propagation that is more commonly used to propagate Coffea canephora over Coffea arabica.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation is used for Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. to produce new cultivars or varieties. This method involves the pollination of Coffea flowers. Coffea flowers are self-sterile, making them suitable for controlled pollination. Controlled pollination ensures that the desired characteristics of the parent plant are obtained in the offspring. The genetic diversity is essential for developing new varieties that are high-yielding and resistant to pests and diseases. The seeds produced through sexual propagation are sown in a nutrient-rich medium and supplied with adequate water and sunlight to ensure their growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev.
Coffea arabica L. var. culta A.Chev. is a popular coffee plant that is vulnerable to various diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) - This fungal disease affects the coffee berries, causing them to wither and turn brown, leading to reduced yield. CBD can be managed through regular pruning of infected branches, avoiding water stress, and applying fungal sprays such as copper-based products.
Leaf Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) - Leaf rust is a fungal disease that commonly affects coffee plants, causing yellow-orange powdery spores on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage leaf rust, it is advisable to practice good hygiene and sanitation practices such as regular weeding and disposing of infected plant debris. Also, fungicides such as strobilurins and triazoles can be applied to control leaf rust spread.
Anthracnose - This fungal disease commonly affects coffee plants during the rainy season. It causes necrotic lesions on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. To manage anthracnose, it is advisable to practice good sanitation practices by removing infected plant debris and avoiding overwatering. Also, apply fungicides such as copper-based sprays.
Pests
Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei) - The coffee berry borer is a small beetle that burrows into the coffee bean, causing significant damage leading to reduced yield. To manage coffee berry borer, it is advisable to practice good hygiene and sanitation practices such as harvesting coffee berries at the right maturity stage and destroying infested berries. Also, control the population using insecticides such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and organophosphates.
Antestia Bugs (Antestiopsis spp.) - The Antestia bugs suck the sap from the coffee berries and cause various damages leading to reduced quality and yield. To manage antestia bugs, it is advisable to use cultural management practices such as maintaining a clean farm, adopting shade management practices, and applying biological control agents such as fungi and parasitic wasps.
Coffee White Stem Borer - The coffee white stem borer burrows into the coffee trunk, leading to weakening and death of the plant. To manage white stem borer, it is advisable to prune and burn infested branches and adopt cultural management practices such as maintaining good plant health. Also, control the pest population by applying insecticides such as pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and organophosphates.
