Overview of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild.
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is known for producing coffee. This variety of Coffea canephora is commonly called Robusta coffee or Congo coffee and is most commonly found in the tropical regions of Western and Central Africa.
Common Names
The plant Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. is commonly known by several names, including:
- Robusta coffee
- Congo coffee
- Robusta
- Canephora coffee
- Café Robusta
Appearance
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 10-12 meters in height. Its leaves are green, glossy, and sometimes have a reddish hue. The plant produces white, sweet-scented flowers that are followed by the fruit known as the coffee cherry. The coffee cherry is usually oblong or ovoid and contains two seeds (coffee beans) that are covered by a protective parchment layer.
Uses
Robusta coffee is known for its strong and bold taste, which makes it a popular choice for instant coffee and espresso blends. It is also often used in blends with other coffee varieties, such as Arabica coffee. Due to its adaptability to a wide range of climates and resistance to coffee diseases, it has become an important cash crop for many countries in West and Central Africa. Additionally, the plant's wood is often used for fuel or in construction.
Aside from its commercial uses, the plant has also been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. In West and Central African medicine, the leaves and bark of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and hypertension.
Light Conditions
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plant thrives well in bright but indirect light. It is best to place it near a sunny window that gets filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Conditions
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plant thrives best under warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 13°C, but below that, the plant growth will slow down and may even halt. Ensure that the plant is kept away from cold drafts and air conditioners that may blow cold air on it.
Soil Requirements
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 6.5. The ideal soil mixture for this plant should comprise of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, which will ensure good drainage while retaining some moisture around the roots. The plant should be watered once a week or when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
Cultivation methods
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plant requires warm temperatures and humidity to thrive. It grows best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade and does not tolerate frost or extreme heat.
Watering needs
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate, soil type, and stage of plant growth. In general, it is better to water in the early morning or late evening to avoid water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plants require regular fertilization to support healthy growth and fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. It is best to use slow-release fertilizers or organic fertilizers to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to poor plant growth and reduced fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plants helps to maintain the shape and size of the plant while removing dead or diseased branches. To promote fruiting, prune the plant just after harvest to remove old and unproductive canes. It is important to use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damage to the plant and to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild.
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. involves growing the plant from seeds. The seeds should be fresh and planted immediately after harvesting. The seedlings should be sown in well-drained soil with pH ranging from 4.2 to 5.5. The plant can be propagated by seed during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and watering should be done immediately after sowing. The germination of the seeds typically ranges from 70-80%, and it takes approximately 6 to 12 weeks for the seedlings to emerge.
Asexual Propagation
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. can be propagated asexually by cuttings and grafting. In vegetative propagation with cuttings, cuttings consisting of two to three internodes of mature stem are used. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting, and they should be planted in well-drained soil. The growth hormones should be kept at a moist condition until roots have developed. The vegetative propagation of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. by cuttings usually has a low success rate.
Grafting is another method used to propagate Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. in asexual propagation. It involves taking a stem from the parent plant (scion) and attaching it to a rootstock of another related species. The scion is cut at a sharp angle, and the rootstock is cut with a corresponding bevel to match. The two are then joined together and wrapped with a grafting tape and the entire plant is then covered with a clear plastic bag to help maintain moisture and humidity.
Disease Management for Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild.
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plant is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include coffee leaf rust, coffee berry disease, and coffee wilt disease.
Coffee leaf rust is caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix and can cause the leaves to turn yellow, wither and fall prematurely. Coffee berry disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum kahawae and can cause the coffee berries to rot and fall off the plant prematurely. Coffee wilt disease is caused by a soilborne fungus Fusarium xylarioides, which can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good farm hygiene, such as removing diseased plant material and disposing of it properly. It is also crucial to use disease-resistant cultivars and to adhere to proper decontamination procedures to prevent the spread of disease. In some cases, fungicides may be used to control the disease, but this should be done under the guidance of a professional.
Pest Management for Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild.
Various pests might affect the Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. crassifolia Laurent ex De Wild. plant, including coffee borer beetles and coffee thrips.
The coffee borer beetle is a small black beetle that lays its eggs inside the coffee beans, damaging them and reducing their quality. The coffee thrips, on the other hand, feed on the coffee plant, causing damage to the leaves and flowers and reducing the overall productivity of the plant.
To manage these pests, it is important to practice good farm hygiene, including the removal of infested plants and the proper disposal of waste. It is also essential to use pest-resistant cultivars and implement appropriate cultural practices. In some cases, insecticides may be used, but this should be done under the guidance of a professional to ensure the safety and efficacy of the product.
