Origin and Common Names
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. is a species in the Rubiaceae family and is native to Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This plant is commonly known as Congo coffee, Robusta coffee, or simply Robusta. It was first described by the French botanist Achille Richard in the 19th century.
General Appearance
Coffea canephora var. gossweileri is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall in its natural environment. However, in commercial plantations, it is usually pruned to a smaller size. The plant has deeply veined, dark green leaves that are elliptical in shape and measure approximately 15-30 cm in length. The flowers are white and have a sweet fragrance. The fruit, known as the coffee cherry, is small and round, and turns from green to yellow or red when ripe. Each cherry contains two seeds, which are the coffee beans used to produce coffee.
Uses
Robusta coffee is used primarily in coffee blends, providing a strong, bitter flavor and higher caffeine content than its counterpart, Coffea arabica. Robusta beans are also used in instant coffee due to their low cost and high solubility. Coffea canephora var. gossweileri is also used for its medicinal properties, including treatment of respiratory problems, fever, and migraines. The plant's leaves and roots have been traditionally used in traditional medicine to relieve pain and promote healing.
Light Conditions
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. plant grows best in direct sunlight. Therefore, it requires high levels of light to grow properly. It is recommended to place the plant in direct sunlight or provide it with artificial light for at least 6 hours each day for optimal growth. Inadequate light can lead to stunted growth and poor yield.
Temperature Requirements
The Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. plant prefers warm temperatures, and it thrives in an environment with an average temperature range of 18 to 28 °C. Extremely cold temperatures can damage its leaves, and frost can kill the plant. On the other hand, exceedingly high temperatures can lead to the withering of the leaves. Therefore, it is essential to provide an optimal temperature range conducive to the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
When planting the Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. plant, it is essential to ensure it is grown in well-draining soil. The ideal soil type for the plant is sandy-loam, which is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. It is important to note that the plant does not perform well in saline or alkaline soils. Additionally, regular soil amendments and fertilization are recommended to maintain soil fertility and support the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. is a robust plant that can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic soils. It is best grown in areas with an annual rainfall of 1500-2500 mm and temperatures ranging from 18-25°C. It is commonly propagated through seeds.
Watering Needs
Watering is critical in the growth of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. Overwatering may cause the plant to suffer from root rot, while underwatering may lead to wilting and stunted growth. It is recommended to water the plant moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering.
Fertilization
To achieve optimal growth and yield, it is recommended to fertilize Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. Plants are usually fertilized during the planting stage and then subsequently after every six months. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or higher is ideal for the plant. Organic manure may also be used to supplement the mineral fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential technique that helps maintain the shape of the plant and promotes healthy growth. Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. is typically pruned once a year after the harvesting season. The pruning process involves removing weak branches, excess foliage, and dead wood. This ensures that the plant can focus its energy and nutrients on the healthy parts, leading to better growth and higher yields.
Propagation of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev.
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. is a robust and hardy plant that propagates readily through a variety of methods. Some of the common methods of propagation include:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Coffea canephora var. gossweileri is through seeds. The seeds are sown in large seedbeds filled with a mixture of sandy soil and compost. The seedbeds are kept moist and warm until the seeds germinate, which can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 10-15 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown for a few more months before being planted in their permanent position.
Cutting propagation
Coffea canephora var. gossweileri can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is during the early summer months when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings are taken from the previous year's growth and should be about 10-15cm long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in sandy soil. The cuttings are kept moist and warm until they develop roots, which usually takes about 8 to 10 weeks. Once the cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown for a few more months before being planted in their permanent position.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Coffea canephora var. gossweileri. A branch of the plant is selected, and a small section of bark is removed. The exposed part of the branch is then covered with a rooting hormone and wrapped in a moist sphagnum moss. The moss is then wrapped in plastic to keep it moist and create a humid environment. Once roots have developed, the branch is cut off from the main plant and planted in a pot filled with a suitable soil mix.
It is important to note that Coffea canephora var. gossweileri is a plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with warm, humid conditions. In cooler climates, it may be necessary to propagate the plant in a greenhouse or indoors to ensure the plants grow and thrive.
Disease Management
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. is susceptible to a range of diseases, and if not controlled, these can significantly impact yield and quality. Here are the common diseases that might affect the C. canephora plant and how to manage them:
- Coffee Leaf Rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix and is characterized by yellow-orange powdery spores on the underside of leaves. To manage this disease, it's important to remove and destroy infected foliage and use fungicides to prevent further spread.
- Coffee Berry Disease: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum spp. and is characterized by dark brown lesions on berries. To manage this disease, it's important to prune infected parts of the plant and use fungicides.
- Phytophthora Root Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus-like organism Phytophthora palmivora and is characterized by wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, it's important to improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. gossweileri A.Chev. is also susceptible to pest infestations. Here are the common pests that might affect the C. canephora plant and how to manage them:
- Coffee Berry Borer: This beetle is the most devastating coffee pest worldwide and can significantly impact yield and quality. To manage this pest, it's important to use pheromone traps and insecticides.
- Coffee White Stem Borer: This pest excavates tunnels and causes stem girdling, which can kill the plant. To manage this pest, it's important to prune infected parts of the plant and use insecticides.
- Coffee Mealybug: These insects feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth. To manage this pest, it's important to use biological controls such as predatory insects and insecticidal soap.
