Overview
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre is a plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family and is commonly known as Robusta coffee. It is a small tree or shrub that is native to central and western Africa.
Appearance
The Robusta coffee plant can grow up to 10 meters in height but is usually trimmed to maintain a manageable height for ease of cultivation. The tree has a conical or pyramidal shape with lush foliage.
The leaves of the Robusta coffee plant are elliptical, dark green, and glossy with a leathery feel. They are arranged oppositely on the branches and can grow up to 30 cm in length.
The plant produces small, fragrant white flowers that bloom in clusters. These flowers give way to small, oblong fruits that are green at first and then turn yellow or red when ripe.
Common Names
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre is known by various names depending on the regions where it is grown. Some of the common names include Robusta coffee, Congo coffee, Kawha karinga, Congo-Kinshasa coffee, and Guinean coffee.
Uses
Robusta coffee is widely cultivated for its beans, which are popular for their strong taste and high caffeine content. The beans are used to produce various coffee blends and are also used in instant coffee, espresso, and other coffee-based drinks.
In addition to being a popular beverage, Robusta coffee also has various medicinal and dietary uses. The plant's leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine in Africa to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and stomach disorders.
The high caffeine content in Robusta coffee also makes it useful as a stimulant and is sometimes used to enhance physical and mental performance.
hereLight Requirements
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre typically requires moderate to high light conditions to aid in photosynthesis. It thrives in bright but indirect light, which is a balance between too much direct sunlight and too little light. The plant will grow best in a location where it can receive ~4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre prefers an average temperature range of 18-28 °C (64-82 °F). It cannot withstand extremely cold temperatures and may die in frost-prone areas. It is crucial to maintain constant temperatures to ensure healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil, which should be slightly acidic (pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.5). It is highly sensitive to water-logged conditions, and therefore, soil with good drainage is essential. Organic matter can be mixed with soil to enhance soil nutrients.
Guidance on Cultivation and Care of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre, commonly known as Robusta coffee, is a coffee species that is grown primarily in Central and Western Africa, as well as in Asia. Proper cultivation and care are essential for the plant to thrive and produce high-quality coffee beans.
Cultivation Methods
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre is typically grown in direct sunlight in well-drained soils with a pH range between 4.5 and 6.5. The plant requires temperatures between 24 and 30°C and an annual rainfall of 1,500 to 2,000 mm. The plant should be spaced 2.5 to 3 meters apart to ensure adequate growth and sunlight exposure.
Watering Needs
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre requires consistent moisture in the soil, but it is important not to overwater the plant. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the plant should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During the dry season, the plant should be watered more frequently to maintain adequate moisture levels.
Fertilization
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and productivity. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, can be applied twice a year, while inorganic fertilizers can be applied quarterly. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the essential nutrients required for the plant’s growth and development, with nitrogen being the most important.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre to maintain its shape, promote new growth, and improve productivity. Pruning is typically done after the harvest season. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or diseased branches, as well as to promote a balanced canopy. Secondary branches should also be pruned to promote the development of new growth and adequate airflow.
Propagation of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre, commonly known as Robusta coffee, is usually propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seeds are extracted from fully mature berries and sown in a mixture of soil, sand and compost. The seeds should be kept in a warm and moist environment and will germinate between 3 to 6 months. Once they have developed two to three leaves, they are then transplanted to a bigger pot or planted in the garden.
Cutting propagation
Propagation through cuttings is a faster and more reliable method compared to seed propagation. Cuttings should be obtained from the previous year's growth and should have at least two pairs of leaves. The bottom leaf pair should be removed, and the stem should be dipped into a rooting hormone powder before being planted in a soil mixture composed of soil, sand, and peat moss. The cuttings are kept in a well-watered and humid environment until root development is observed, after which they can be transferred to a pot or planted in the garden.
Disease Management
Like other crops, Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre is susceptible to several diseases. Here are some common diseases that can affect this plant, and ways to manage them:
Coffee Berry Disease
Coffee Berry Disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum kahawae. Symptoms include lesions on the coffee berries, which become discolored, dry out, and fall off prematurely. The disease can be managed by removing the infected berries from the tree and destroying them. Additionally, proper pruning can help improve air circulation around the plant, which is important for reducing the spread of the disease.
Leaf Rust
Leaf Rust is caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix. Symptoms include orange or rust-colored spots on the upper surface of the leaves. The disease can cause defoliation and ultimately lead to reduced crop yields. Leaf Rust can be managed by using resistant varieties of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre, practicing good sanitation measures, and treating the plant with fungicides.
Pest Management
Coffee plants can also be attacked by a variety of pests. Here are some common pests that can affect this plant, and ways to manage them:
Coffee Berry Borer
The Coffee Berry Borer is a beetle that burrows into the coffee berry and feeds on the bean inside. Symptoms include round holes in the berry and a powdery substance known as frass. Infested berries can be removed from the tree and destroyed. Additionally, cultural practices such as clearing away fallen fruit can help reduce the population of the Coffee Berry Borer.
Antestia Bug
The Antestia Bug is another pest that can affect Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. oligoneura Pierre. Symptoms of infestation include damage to the berries and beans. The use of insecticides can help manage this pest, as well as using intercropping with legumes or other crops to attract predators of the Antestia Bug.
