Ensuring the genetic diversity of coffee

Publication date: 01/01/2018
Extent: 14 pages

Contributions by: Sarada Krishnan, Denver Botanic Gardens, USA

Chapter synopsis: Developing adaptation strategies will be critical in sustaining the coffee economy and livelihoods in many countries, owing to continued rises in production costs, as well as problems related to negative impacts of climate change and higher incidence of pests and diseases. Utilizing the varied genetic resources of coffee to develop varieties with drought stress tolerances, pest and disease resistances, high cup quality and increased production will ensure the future sustainability of the crop. This chapter examines the genetic resources of coffee in both ex situ collections and in situ situations and provides a detailed case study of the conservation of wild coffee species in Madagascar. In the context of the development of a Global Conservation Strategy for Coffee Genetic Resources, the chapter looks ahead to future developments in this area.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0022.04