Overview of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson is a sub-species of the Coffea sessiliflora plant and belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The plant is a coffee species that is native to the African continent, particularly in Tanzania. It is commonly referred to as mwasumbi coffee or the creeping coffee plant.
Appearance of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson
The plant is a creeping shrub that grows up to 2 meters in height. The branches of the plant are curved, with leaves that are oval-shaped and measure 4-9 cm in length and 2-5 cm in width. The leaves of the plant are dark green and glossy, with tiny white flowers that grow at the base of the leaves. The fruit of the plant is a small red berry that contains two seeds inside it.
Uses of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson
The Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson is mainly used for coffee production. The coffee produced from this plant is of high quality, with a unique flavor and aroma that makes it highly sought after. The plant is an important source of income for many people in Tanzania who grow it for commercial purposes. In addition to its economic importance, the plant is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves and roots of the plant are commonly used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stomach upsets, fever, and headaches.
Recently, the plant has been used in reforestation projects due to its ability to prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality.
Light Requirements
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson typically grows in shaded environments, such as under the canopy of trees in its natural habitat. This plant prefers filtered or indirect light, rather than direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This coffee plant variety is native to Tanzania, where it grows in warmer temperatures. It can thrive in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F) but tends to prefer the higher end of that range.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil conditions for Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson are well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5. It's worth noting that this plant variety is known to be sensitive to soil-borne pathogens, so it's important to plant it in healthy, disease-free soil.
Cultivation of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson grows best in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is ideal to grow the plant in fertile soil that is well-draining, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
The plant requires a lot of sunlight, and it is best to grow it in an area that receives plenty of direct sunlight. If grown indoors, you may use artificial lights, ensuring that you expose the plants for about 10 hours daily.
Watering and Fertilization of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson
Watering is crucial in the proper growth of the Coffea plant. Young plants should receive frequent, light watering, whereas mature plants may require less frequent and deeper watering. Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which may lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization is essential for the steady growth of the plant. Use a fertilizer that contains high nitrogen levels to encourage rapid vegetative growth. During the fruiting stage, adjust the fertilizer to contain more phosphorus and potassium. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when fertilizing plants.
Pruning of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson
Pruning may be necessary to keep the plant healthy and producing fruit. Always prune the plant during the dormant season and remove any weak or dead branches. You may also prune the plant to stimulate growth by removing up to a third of the mature plant's foliage.
When pruning, always use sterilized equipment to prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another. Remember not to prune the plant too severely, as this may lead to a weakened plant.
Propagation of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson can be propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson can be used to grow new plants. The seeds are obtained from the ripe fruit, which turns red when fully mature. The flesh of the fruit is removed, and the seeds are washed and dried in the shade.
Before sowing the seeds, they must be scarified to remove the hard seed coat. This is done by either rubbing the seeds against a rough surface or using a small knife to make a small nick in the seed coat. Scarification allows water to penetrate the seeds, which aids germination.
After scarification, the seeds are sown in a well-draining mixture of sand and soil. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination can take place within two to three months.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings from young Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson plants and replanting them to produce new plants. This method of propagation is faster than seed propagation and yields plants that are clones of the parent plant.
The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season, when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from stem tips that have not yet produced flowers. The cuttings should be about 15 cm long and have two to three nodes.
After taking the cuttings, they should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining mixture of sand and soil and kept moist, but not waterlogged. Rooting can take place within four to six weeks.
Disease management
Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield if not properly managed. Some of the common diseases affecting this plant include:
- Coffee leaf rust: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the coffee plant. It appears as yellow or orange powdery spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage this disease, farmers can use fungicide sprays or use resistant coffee varieties.
- Coffee berry disease: This is a fungal disease that affects the berries of the coffee plant. It causes premature berry drop and reduces yield. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected berries and use fungicides to control its spread.
- Coffee wilt disease: This is a bacterial disease transmitted by insects, mainly the coffee berry borer. It causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. There is no known cure for this disease, so farmers must adopt preventive measures like crop rotation, the use of resistant coffee varieties, and controlling the population of the coffee berry borer.
Pest management
Coffee pests can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce yield. Some of the common pests that affect Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson include:
- Coffee berry borer: This is a small beetle that bores into the coffee berries, causing rot inside. To manage this pest, farmers can use insecticides or biological control methods like the use of pheromone traps, which disrupt the mating of the beetles.
- Coffee white stem borer: This is a pest that bores into the stem of the coffee plant, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, farmers can prune the affected parts and use neem-based insecticides.
- Coffee twig borer: This is a pest that affects the young shoots of the coffee plant, causing them to die. To manage this pest, farmers can prune the affected parts and use insecticides.
It is essential to adopt integrated pest management practices that combine various management strategies to effectively manage pests and diseases in Coffea sessiliflora Bridson subsp. mwasumbi Bridson.
