| Abstract Detail
Coffee Genomics - Morning Bellachew, Bayetta [1], Abebe, Million [2]. Coffee Genetic Diversity in Ethiopia: Opportunities, Threats and Remedies. ABSTRACT Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is the only species cultivated in Ethiopia. Earlier explorers and collecting missions confirmed that Ethiopia is the center of origin and diversity of this most important economic species that shares 70% of the world market. It grows on a wide range of environments ranging from the semi-savannah climate of the Gambella plain (550m) to the montane rain forest zone of the south and south-west (2200m) indicating the presence of wide genetic diversity in the country. More over, the observed variations for quality (Harer, Yirgacheffee, Gimbi, Limmu, etc types) and other agronomic traits, the achievement of several CBD resistant selections, the presence of considerable hybrid vigor (over 60 %) among elite local crosses, and results of morphological and molecular diversity analysis confirmed the presence of high genetic diversity in Ehiopia. The implication and use of these genetic variations in coffee improvement program is discussed. Today, these valuable genetic resources of coffee are seriously endangered by deforestation; settlement and investment program targeted to forest areas and the consequent conflicting property right; replacement of the landraces by few improved varieties (over 100, 000 ha ); competition by other crops such as chat (Catha edulis); diseases and drought; and management intervention to increase the productivity of forest coffee. Currently, about 2.3 million hectares of montane rain forests are left of which only 0.7 million are slightly disturbed while the rest is greatly disturbed. These alarming situations signal the need for immediate conservation of the remnants. In effect, three complementary conservation approaches, ex situ, in situ and in vitro (cryopreservation) conservation systems, are proposed and discussed. The role of the government, the farming community and the world community at large is explained in order to implement the conservation strategy effectively for the benefit of both national and global coffee industry.
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1 - Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Jimma Agricultural Resea, Coffee breeding and genetics, Jimma, Oromia, P.O.Box 192, Ethiopia
2 - Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Jimma Agricultural Resea, Crop Protection, Jimma, Oromia, P.O.Box 192, Ethiopia
Keywords:
Coffea arabica
genetic diversity.
Session: SAT01-12
Location: Hall of Ideas Room G/Monona Terrace
Date: Wednesday, July 26th, 2006
Time: 11:00 AM
Abstract ID:194 |
