Origin
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson is a plant native to the Eastern and Southern African region. The plant grows in the wild, especially in Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Common Names
The Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson is commonly referred to as the Lundazi coffee or Zambia coffee. The plant is known as Lundazi kahawa in Swahili.
Uses
The Lundazi coffee plant is mostly known for the production of coffee beans which are rich in flavor produced under shade-grown conditions. The coffee is mostly used in local markets for making traditional coffee drinks such as kahawa chungu, which is a sweet and spicy Tanzanian coffee drink. The plant also has medicinal properties, and it is used for treating illnesses such as diarrhea, stomachaches, and headaches.
General Appearance
The Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson plant has an upright growth habit and can grow up to 8 meters high. The plant has bright green leaves that are ovate to round in shape and measure approximately 10 cm long and 7 cm wide. It has small, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer, followed by small, red berries that ripen in the fall and winter. The plant produces oval-shaped coffee seeds that are used for making coffee. The Lundazi coffee plant usually grows in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers well-drained, acidic soils.
Light Requirements
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow and thrive. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and stunt growth. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it can access adequate sunlight, but not be directly exposed to it for extended periods.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson growth is between 18-24°C. The plant should be kept away from any draughts or radiators, which can cause temperature fluctuations and harm the plant. Additionally, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature level to prevent stress on the plant.
Soil Requirements
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson requires a well-draining soil mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The pH level of the soil should be maintained between 6.0 and 6.5. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. Additionally, it is beneficial to add organic matter to the soil to provide essential nutrients.
Cultivation Methods for Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson is a dwarf coffee plant that grows in tropical climates. It requires a well-drained and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant grows well in sandy loam and red volcanic soils that are slightly acidic with pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Adequate drainage is crucial, and waterlogged soils should be avoided.
It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in a seedbed, and the seedlings can be transplanted after six months. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and rooted in a nursery under shade, and then transplanted to the field.
Watering Needs for Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson requires regular watering during the growing season. Water should be supplied at regular intervals, and the frequency should be adjusted according to weather conditions and soil type. The plant should not be allowed to dry out completely, but waterlogging should be prevented.
It is essential to mulch the soil to conserve moisture and reduce evaporation. The mulch should be applied to a depth of at least 5 cm and should be replenished at regular intervals.
Fertilization for Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson requires regular fertilization to achieve optimal growth and yield. The fertilizer application should be based on soil analysis and plant requirements. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the essential nutrients required in the right proportion.
The recommended dosage is 100 g of nitrogen, 30 g of phosphorus, and 60 g of potassium per plant per year. The fertilizer should be applied in split doses during the growing season, and the first application should be done after six months of planting.
Pruning for Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson requires pruning to maintain the plant's shape, reduce vegetative growth, and promote flowering. Pruning should be done immediately after harvesting, and the branches that have borne fruits should be removed.
During pruning, the weak and diseased branches should be removed, and the healthy ones should be encouraged to grow. The plant should be trained to have a single stem, and lateral branches should be pruned to the desired length to promote good light penetration.
Propagation of Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson is propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common way to propagate Coffea mufindiensis subsp. lundaziensis Bridson. Fresh seeds are preferred as they have a higher chance of germination. The seeds are removed from the ripe fruits and washed thoroughly to remove any remaining pulp.
The seeds are then placed in a nursery bed containing well-draining and nutrient-rich soil. The nursery bed should be located in an area with partial shade, and the seeds should be planted at a depth of around 2-3 cm.
The bed should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging. The germination period for Coffea mufindiensis subsp. lundaziensis Bridson varies from one to two months. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done by stem cuttings or grafting. Stem cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be around 10-15 cm in length. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a nursery bed containing well-draining soil.
The nursery bed should be located in an area with partial shade, and the cuttings should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Rooting should occur within four to six weeks, and once the new plants have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Grafting can also be used to propagate Coffea mufindiensis subsp. lundaziensis Bridson. The plant is grafted onto rootstock from a related Coffea species. This method is commonly used in Coffea cultivation to ensure disease-resistant rootstock, higher yields, and faster growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson
Coffea mufindiensis Hutch. ex Bridson subsp. lundaziensis Bridson is a relatively new species of coffee plant that was first discovered in Tanzania. Although there is limited information available on the diseases and pests that can affect this plant, it is still important to take steps to keep it healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Coffea mufindiensis is coffee leaf rust. This fungal disease can cause severe defoliation, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce coffee berries. Other diseases that may affect Coffea mufindiensis include coffee berry disease, coffee wilt disease, and anthracnose.
Disease Management
The best way to manage diseases in Coffea mufindiensis is through a combination of cultural and chemical control measures. Cultural measures include practices such as pruning and removing infected plant material, spacing plants to allow for good air circulation, and maintaining proper soil moisture levels. Chemical control measures typically involve the application of fungicides or other chemicals. However, it is important to use these products judiciously, following all label instructions and recommended application rates.
Common Pests
Coffee berry borer is one of the most serious pests affecting Coffea mufindiensis. This small beetle can cause significant damage to coffee berries, reducing crop yields and quality. Other pests that may affect Coffea mufindiensis include coffee white stem borer, mealybugs, and scales.
Pest Management
Integrated pest management strategies, which combine cultural, physical, and chemical control measures, can be effective in managing pest infestations in Coffea mufindiensis. Cultural measures may include practices such as pruning to remove infested plant material, removing weeds and brush that serve as alternate hosts, and planting coffee varieties that are resistant to pests. Physical control measures, such as the use of traps or barriers, can also be effective. Chemical control measures should be used only when other options have failed and with strict adherence to label instructions and recommended application rates.
