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India has joined the International Coffee Genome Network. The network is purely a scientific network aimed at establishing a common platform for advanced genomic research for sustainable coffee production in the producing countries.
The network is also expected to take stock of what has been achieved in countries and to establish priorities for a future programme for the coffee genome with long-term benefits for the coffee sector.
Knowledge of the genome is fundamental to allow efficient use and conservation of coffee's genetic resources for the development of improved cultivars in terms of pest and disease resistance, higher yield, quality and reduced economic and environmental costs.
“The first initiative was taken by Coffee Board of India in 2004 to discuss the possibility and interest of an international commitment to work jointly in the area of coffee genomics. The main goal of the initiative was to sequence the coffee genome and develop genomic tools and resources to further the understanding of the coffee genome and its diversity at the molecular, biochemical and physiological levels,” Dr Jayarama, Director of Research, Central Coffee Research Institute, told Business Line .
“In this endeavour, 27 institutes from 19 coffee-producing countries are participating for mutual benefits and to decode the genetic and molecular bases of important biological traits in coffee tree species that are relevant to growers, processors and consumers,” he added.
Through this network, International Coffee Organisation is planning to build on expertise and findings from member countries to establish priorities for the future and explore sources of financing.
Those who have expressed interest are: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Vietnam and the InterAfrican Coffee Organisation.
“The major overall goal of this consortia of scientists is to provide producers with coffee varieties that are better suited to environmental constraints and growing conditions (shade, altitude, drought, etc) and higher-yielding and more disease-resistant, and produce better quality coffee,” said Dr Jayarama.
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