Origin and Common Names
Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler is a shrub-like plant that is native to the rainforests of Madagascar. It is part of the Rubiaceae family and is commonly known as Lebrun's Coffee.Uses
Although Lebrun's Coffee is not commonly cultivated for coffee production due to its low yields, the plant has cultural significance to the people of Madagascar. Its leaves are used in traditional medicine to soothe stomach ailments and the roots are used to treat malaria.General Appearance
Lebrun's Coffee is a perennial evergreen plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with an elongated oval shape that tapers at the tip. The plant produces small white flowers that are fragrant and later grow into small red berries. Each berry contains two coffee seeds, which are smaller than those of other coffee species and have a unique triangular shape. The seeds have a bitter taste due to the high content of caffeine and are not commonly used for coffee production.Light Conditions
Coffea lebrunianus, being a tropical plant, requires strong or moderate light conditions to grow. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the plant, so it is preferably grown under partial shade or diffused light. The plant can also adapt to low light conditions, but the growth may be slow with fewer yields.
Temperature Requirements
The Coffea lebrunianus plant thrives in a warm and humid climate. The optimal temperature range for growth and yield is between 18°C and 28°C. The minimum temperature required for survival is 10°C. Temperatures below 10°C can be lethal for the plant. The ideal night temperature is approximately 15°C. Any sudden temperature changes can cause growth retardation and affect the crop yield.
Soil Requirements
The Coffea lebrunianus plant requires well-drained and aerated soil with a pH range of 6-7. The soil should have high organic matter content with good water retention capacity and excellent drainage. Adding manure and compost to the soil can help improve the soil structure. The soil should not be waterlogged with stagnant water as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation of Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler
Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler is a coffee plant species that grows in the Madagascar region. This plant can be grown both in indoor and outdoor settings. Ensure the plant receives sufficient sunlight for optimal growth and development.
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. For seeds, sow in a well-draining soil mix, keep the soil moist but not overly wet, and germination usually occurs within 3-6 weeks. For stem cuttings, plant them in moist soil and cover with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment until rooted.
Watering Needs
Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, which could cause root rot. Watering once or twice a week is sufficient, depending on the climate and soil drainage.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and yield, fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every three months. Use a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer. Ensure that the plant is watered thoroughly before applying the fertilizer to avoid root burn.
Pruning
To maintain the shape and size of the plant, prune Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler during its dormant phase. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and thin out any congested areas to allow for optimal light penetration and airflow. Pruning encourages the plant to produce new growth and can increase fruit yield.
Propagation of Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler
Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler is typically propagated by seed. The seeds should be collected from ripe berries and sown immediately in well-draining soil. The seeds can be germinated in a small pot or seed tray, ideally with bottom heat to improve germination rates.
Seed Preparation
Before planting, the seeds should be carefully extracted from the ripe berries and cleaned. The seeds can be soaked in water for a few hours to aid in their removal from the berries. It is important to remove any pulp or debris from the seeds before planting.
Planting
After cleaning, the seeds should be planted about 1 cm deep in well-draining soil. The pot or tray should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and placed in a warm (25-30°C), shaded location. Bottom heat can be added to help maintain a consistent temperature during germination.
Care
The seeds typically germinate within 1-2 months. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground once they are large enough and weather conditions allow. It is important to ensure that the seedlings are kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until they are well-established.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler
Coffea lebrunianus R.Germ. & Kesler is a species of coffee plant that is native to Madagascar. It is a relatively new and rare species, but it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its health and productivity. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that may afflict Coffea lebrunianus and some suggestions for managing them:
Pests
1. Coffee berry borer: This is a major pest of coffee that only affects the coffee beans. The female borers live inside the coffee berries and lay their eggs in them. The larvae then feed on the coffee beans, rendering them unsuitable for harvesting. To control this pest, it is recommended to use insecticides that contain Beauveria bassiana, a fungus that infects and kills the borers.
2. Whiteflies and mealybugs: These pests suck sap from the coffee plant and excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. The honeydew attracts ants, which then protect the whiteflies and mealybugs from their natural enemies. To control these pests, it is advised to use insecticides that contain neem oil or pyrethrins.
3. Ants: Ants are not harmful to Coffea lebrunianus, but they can aid in the spread of other coffee pests such as the coffee berry borer. To manage ants, it is recommended to apply insecticides that contain borax or boric acid.
Diseases
1. Coffee leaf rust: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of coffee plants. It causes yellowing and eventual drop of the leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and yield. To manage this disease, it is recommended to apply fungicides that contain copper or triazole compounds.
2. Coffee wilt disease: This is a soil-borne disease caused by a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum. It causes wilting and death of the coffee plant. The disease is spread by infected soil, water, and coffee tools. There is no cure for coffee wilt disease, and prevention is the only option. To prevent the spread of this disease, it is recommended to use clean water and sterilized coffee tools, avoid infected soil, and practice crop rotation.
3. Coffee berry disease: This is a fungal disease that affects the coffee berries. It causes discoloration and premature drop of the berries. To manage this disease, it is recommended to apply fungicides that contain copper or triazole compounds and to practice good sanitation and hygiene.
Overall, managing pests and diseases in Coffea lebrunianus requires a combination of preventative and curative measures. It is important to maintain the health of the coffee plant by providing proper nutrition, irrigation, and other cultural practices. Additionally, regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of pests and diseases can help in early detection and management.
