Hybrid Arabica Coffee Varietal Improvement: Catimor CIFC 7963-13-28

Abstract

 The highland area of northern Thailand is particularly suitable for arabica coffee production.  The main problem is leaf rust disease caused by Hemileia vastatrix B.&Br. which widely destroys coffee plantations.  The Arabica coffee variety, Catimor CIFC 7963, has been intorduced to study and select for leaf rust disease resistance.  The rust resistant varietal line namely  CIFC 7963-13-28 was selected and trialed in 4 locations since 1985.  This variety showed good performance with average green bean production up to 215 kg/rai compared to Caturra, Bourbon and Typica varieties which normally produced 90-120 kg/rai.  The coffee bean product 90-120 kg/rai.  the coffee bean production has been not only over twice the normal coffee varieties, but the percentage of grade A coffee bean values increased to 81.3-87.3%.  The cup quality test was between 6.5 to (out of 10) when was compared to 5.5 for Cattura variety.  The recommended growing area is 700 meters above mean sea level with average temperatures 18-25 C.  Rain distribution was more than 1,500 mm./year.  Catimor CIFC 7963-13-28 appears to be susceptibel to drought conditions, therefore, it should be planted in the shade of the natural forest or other fruit trees orchards such as macadamia, Japanese apricot and lychee.