Botanical Name: Coffea spp.
The coffee plant belongs to the Coffea genus, which includes several species of plants that produce coffee beans. The most widely cultivated species of coffee are Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta.
Family: Rubiaceae
Coffee plants belong to the Rubiaceae family, which includes about 13,500 species of flowering plants. This family is known for its medicinal properties and includes many economically important plants.
Chromosome Numbers of Coffee:
The chromosome numbers of Coffea arabica and Coffea robusta are both 2n = 2x = 22. This means that each cell of the coffee plant contains 22 chromosomes, with two sets of chromosomes in each cell.
1. Climatic conditions:
Coffee is typically grown in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate, at elevations between 600 and 2000 meters above sea level. The ideal temperature range for coffee growth is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, with a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. The coffee plant also requires a consistent amount of rainfall, typically between 1500 and 2500 mm annually, with a dry season of 2-3 months.
2. Soil:
Coffee plants require well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. Coffee is susceptible to soil-borne diseases like coffee wilt, so it's important to avoid soils that are contaminated with these pathogens.
3. Propagation:
Coffee is typically propagated through seeds or vegetative cuttings.
4. Planting:
Coffee plants are usually planted in rows, with a spacing of 2-3 meters between plants and 3-4 meters between rows. The ideal time for planting is during the rainy season. Seed rate varies based on the variety and location.
5. Irrigation:
Coffee plants require regular irrigation, especially during the dry season. Drip irrigation is a popular method for coffee farming.
6. Manures and fertilizers:
Coffee plants require a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 2:1:1 of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The amount of fertilizer required varies based on soil fertility, variety, and age of the plant.
7. Training and pruning:
Coffee plants require regular pruning to control the plant's growth, improve yield, and promote uniform fruit ripening. The training system can be either a single stem or multiple stems.
8. Varieties:
Some common coffee varieties include Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica.
9. Maturity indices:
Coffee cherries are typically harvested when they reach their optimum maturity, which varies based on the variety. The maturity of the cherries can be determined by their color, size, and sweetness.
10. Harvesting stage and yield:
Coffee cherries are typically harvested by hand-picking or mechanical harvesting. The yield varies based on the variety, location, and farming practices. On average, a mature coffee plant can produce 2-3 kilograms of coffee cherries per year.
