Plant Description
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. robusta (Linden) A.Chev., commonly known as robusta coffee, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is a perennial, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. This plant has a shallow root system and has dark green leaves that are glossy and waxy in texture.
Origin and Distribution
Robusta coffee is native to the lowland regions of Central and Western Africa, where it grows naturally in the forests and savannas. It is widely cultivated in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, India, and Uganda, among others.
Common Names
Robusta coffee is also known by other common names, such as Congo coffee, Uganda coffee, and robusto.
Uses
The robusta coffee plant is grown for its beans, which are used to produce coffee. Robusta coffee beans tend to have a stronger and more bitter taste, making it popular in blends and instant coffee. Due to its higher caffeine content, it is also used in energy drinks and supplements. Furthermore, the plant is known to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and diarrhea.
General Appearance
The robusta coffee plant has a straight trunk and a dense branching system. It produces white, fragrant flowers that are followed by green berries that turn red when ripe. The berries contain two seeds or beans that are surrounded by a thin layer of pulp. The beans are oval in shape and have a flat side.
Light Requirements
Coffea canephora var. robusta requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. The plant prefers a full-sun to partial-shade exposure, and direct sunlight should be avoided as it may scorch the leaves. In areas with low light, artificial grow lights can be used to supplement natural lighting.
Temperature Requirements
Coffea canephora var. robusta is a tropical plant that thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). The plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it is sensitive to frost and cannot survive in freezing conditions. It is also important to avoid sudden temperature changes, as this can stress or damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Coffea canephora var. robusta prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, as the plant has high nutrient requirements. The plant is susceptible to root rot, so the soil must be well-draining to prevent water accumulation. Adding perlite or sand to the soil can improve drainage.
Cultivation of Coffea Canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. Robusta (Linden) A.Chev.
Coffea Canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. Robusta (Linden) A.Chev. is a species of coffee that is commonly grown in West and Central Africa. It thrives in areas with a warm and humid climate, with an average temperature of 24-28°C. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5.
When planting Coffea Canephora, it is essential to provide enough space between the plants, allowing room for airflow and sunlight to penetrate. The recommended spacing is 2-3 meters between rows and 1-2 meters between plants.
Watering Needs
Coffea Canephora requires regular watering to grow and produce high-quality beans. The coffee plant grows best when the soil moisture content is maintained at around 60-80% of the field capacity.
It is important to water the coffee plants regularly, especially during dry spells to prevent wilting and stunted growth. Overwatering, on the other hand, can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of Coffea Canephora cultivation. The coffee plant requires regular nutrient supply to grow well and produce high yields. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium should be applied to the soil.
The timing of fertilizer application depends on the growth stage of the coffee plant. Generally, the first application of fertilizer is done during the planting period, and subsequent applications are done after every six months.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Coffea Canephora cultivation that helps to promote plant growth, increase yields, and improve bean quality. The coffee plant should be pruned annually or biannually to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain the desired tree size and shape.
The best time to prune Coffea Canephora is during the dry season when the plant is dormant. The pruning process should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant and ensure that the cut is clean to promote faster healing.
Propagation of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. robusta (Linden) A.Chev.
Propagation of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. robusta (Linden) A.Chev. can be done through the following methods:
Seed propagation
The commonly used method of propagation for Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. robusta (Linden) A.Chev. is by seed. The seeds of Coffea canephora are easily available and can be sown directly into the soil or in containers. Seeds can be used for propagation only if they are fresh, as the viability of the seed decreases with time. Seeds are placed about 2 cm deep in the soil, and they germinate within 2-3 weeks after sowing.
Cuttings propagation
Coffea canephora can also be propagated through cuttings. Stem cuttings are used for the propagation of this plant. Cuttings of about 10-15 cm length with 2-3 nodes are taken from the healthy plant. The lowermost leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium made of sand and peat moss in the ratio of 1:1. The cuttings are then kept moist and warm to facilitate root formation, approximately taking 2-3 months for the plants to establish.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method of propagation for Coffea canephora. This method is used when a plant is too valuable or too large to be propagated by other methods. A part of the stem of about 10-15 cm is selected and a strip of bark is removed from the stem in a circular manner. The exposed area is covered with damp moss, which is then covered with plastic or polythene, and tied at both ends. Roots will develop where the bark has been removed, and once the roots grow well, the air layer can be removed from the parent plant and transplanted to healthy soil.
Propagation of Coffea canephora is a relatively simple process, and the developed plants can be used for coffee production in farms and gardens, provided that they are kept under appropriate conditions and care.
Disease Management
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. robusta (Linden) A.Chev. is susceptible to various diseases that can lead to yield and quality losses. Understanding the common diseases of the plant and their management strategies can increase the productivity of the crop. Here are some of the most common diseases and their management strategies:
Coffee Berry Disease
Coffee berry disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum kahawae. It affects the coffee beans and can cause significant yield losses. The infection usually occurs during the flowering and fruit-setting period. Management strategies for coffee berry disease include the use of disease-free seeds, pruning, and spraying with fungicides.
Leaf Rust
Leaf rust is caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix. It affects the leaves of the coffee plant and can result in a reduction in photosynthesis, leading to yield losses. The disease is favored by cool and humid conditions. Management strategies include the use of resistant varieties, ensuring good plant nutrition, and foliar spraying with fungicides.
Coffee Wilt Disease
Coffee wilt disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium xylarioides. It affects the roots of the coffee plant and can lead to a decline in plant vigor and yield. The disease is transmitted through infected planting materials and soil contamination. Management strategies include the use of disease-free seedlings, crop rotation, and planting resistant varieties.
Pest Management
Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner var. robusta (Linden) A.Chev. is also vulnerable to attacks from various pests that can cause damage or spread diseases. Identifying the common pests of the plant and implementing effective pest management strategies can enhance the crop's productivity. Below are some of the most common pests and their management techniques:
Coffee Berry Borer
Coffee berry borer is a small beetle that attacks the coffee beans. The insect lays eggs inside the coffee cherries, and the larvae feed on the beans, causing damage. Management strategies include the use of pheromone traps, harvesting and destroying infested beans, and applying botanical insecticides.
Antestia Bugs
Antestia bugs are sucking insects that feed on the coffee berries. They can cause damage to the beans and can also transmit coffee berry disease. Management strategies include the use of biological control agents, such as parasitic wasps or predatory bugs, and the application of insecticides.
Coffee Mealybug
Coffee mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that infest the leaves, stems, and fruits of the coffee plant. They suck the sap from the plant, leading to wilting and stunted growth. Management strategies include the use of biological control agents, such as parasitic wasps or predatory bugs, and the application of insecticides.
