Overview
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner, commonly known as intermediate or Peruvian coffee, is a variety of Coffea arabica. This plant has important economic value as it is the primary source of coffee production worldwide.
Origin
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner is believed to have originated from Ethiopia and Yemen, where it is still grown today. It was later introduced to South America, primarily Peru and Brazil, where it is now cultivated on a large scale.
Common Names
Some of the common names this plant goes by include intermediate coffee, Peruvian coffee, Brazilian coffee, Arabica coffee, and mountain coffee.
Uses
The beans harvested from Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner are roasted, ground, and brewed to produce coffee. This variety of Coffea arabica is prized for its high quality and unique flavor profile. It is used to make premium blends and is considered a luxury item in the coffee industry.
General Appearance
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner is a small tree that grows up to 5 meters in height. It has shiny, bright green leaves that are 10-15cm in length. The plant produces small, white, fragrant flowers that eventually give way to bright red or purple fruit. The fruit is approximately 1cm in diameter and contains two seeds that are harvested and used to make coffee.
Light Requirements
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner is a shade-loving plant that thrives in filtered sunlight and dappled shade. It cannot tolerate direct, intense sunlight for extended periods, which can lead to leaf damage and stunted growth. A bright but indirect light source, such as a north-facing window or filtered light through a sheer curtain, is ideal for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Typically, Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner prefers a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause stress on the plant, leading to leaf drop and other problems. Therefore, it is essential to avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or other temperature extremes.
Soil Requirements
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner thrives in well-draining, acidic soil. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 6.5. Soil that is too alkaline can cause nutrient deficiencies, poor growth and weakens the plant, making it more susceptible to diseases. It is essential to avoid using hard water as it raises the soil pH, which can lead to root damage and negatively affect plant growth. An appropriate potting mix would include peat moss, finely ground bark, and perlite.
Cultivation Methods for Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner grows well in temperatures between 60-70°F (15-25°C). It prefers a soil pH of 6.0-6.5 and soil that is well-draining. This plant grows best when planted in organic, rich soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It should also be grown in an area with partial shade, protected from direct sunlight.
Watering Needs for Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner
In order to keep Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner healthy, it is important to water it consistently. The plant should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, but not so much that it becomes waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's important to avoid this. During the growing season, this plant should be watered regularly, about once a week.
Fertilization Methods for Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner
It is important to fertilize Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner regularly to help it grow. Fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. Using a slow-release fertilizer or organic fertilizer is recommended, as it provides a steady supply of nutrients over a longer period of time. Be sure to follow package instructions and not over-fertilize, as this can harm the plant.
Pruning Methods for Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner benefits from regular pruning to help it maintain its shape and to promote new growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is typically in the winter. Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any branches that are growing too long. It's important not to over-prune, as this can harm the plant and hinder its growth.
Propagation of Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner is commonly propagated through vegetative methods such as cuttings and grafting.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is one of the most common methods of Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner propagation. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free mother plants during the active growth period. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length and have at least three nodes. After making the cuttings, remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a well-draining, moist potting mix and keep them in a warm and humid place. Roots will start to grow within 3-6 weeks, and the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method that is commonly used for Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner. The best time for grafting is during the early spring when the plants are actively growing. The scion should be chosen from healthy, mature plants while the rootstock should be selected for its disease resistance and hardiness. The scion is then grafted onto the rootstock using a cleft or splice grafting method. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm, moist environment until it begins to grow.
Both cutting and grafting methods are effective for propagating Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner and can be used to produce healthy, disease-free plants for commercial or personal purposes.
Disease Management
Coffea arabica L. var. intermedia A.Froehner, commonly known as arabica coffee, is susceptible to several diseases that may affect its growth and productivity. Some of the most common diseases that affect the plant are:
- Coffee leaf rust: This is a fungal disease that appears as yellow-orange powdery spots on the underside of the leaves. It can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and reduced yield. To manage this disease, regular fungicide application should be done before the onset of the rainy season, and good cultural practices such as pruning should be observed.
- Coffee berry disease: This is a fungal disease that attacks the berries causing them to become withered and discolored. The fungus penetrates the coffee berry through the stylar end and spreads to the entire berry, leading to reduced yield. To manage this disease, regular fungicide application should be done after the onset of the rainy season, and infected berries should be removed from the farm.
- Root-knot nematodes: These are microscopic worms that infest the roots of the arabica coffee plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced yield. To manage this pest, resistant coffee varieties should be planted, and crop rotation should be practiced.
Pest Management
Arabica coffee is also susceptible to several pests that can affect its growth and yield. Some of the common pests that may infest the plant include:
- Coffee berry borer: This is a small beetle that bores into the berries, causing them to drop prematurely and reducing the yield. To manage this pest, regular monitoring should be done using pheromone traps, and infected berries should be removed from the farm to reduce the spread of the pest.
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this pest, regular application of insecticides should be done, and natural predators such as ladybirds should be introduced to the farm.
- Mealybugs: These are small insects with a white cottony appearance that infest the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage this pest, regular application of insecticides should be done, and natural predators such as parasitic wasps should be introduced to the farm.
