Genetic diversity of ex-situ conserved Arabica cofee (Coffea arabica L.) accessions in Ethiopia as revealed by simple sequence repeats markers

So far, there has been limited use of molecular markers in arabica coffee breeding program in Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to explore the effectiveness of simple sequence repeats markers (SSRs) in detecting polymor- phism and to assess the extent of genetic diversity and relationships among ex-situconserved Arabica coffee accessions. Sixty-two forest coffee accessions planted in the experimental plot of the Ethiopian coffee breeding program were evaluated using 14 SSR markers. These markers amplified a total of 100 alleles, varying from four to ten alleles per locus, with an average of 7.2 across all loci. The rate of polymorphism ranged from 75 to 100, with a mean value of 96.4 across the accessions. The polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.26 to 0.92, with a mean value of 0.70. The genetic similarity coefficient values between 72% possible pair-wise combinations ranged from 0.18 to 0.50, with overall mean value of 0.44.The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram based on Jaccard’s genetic similarity grouped the accessions into five main clusters and two singletons at <0.47 similarity coefficient value. These results indicate the effectiveness of the SSR markers in detecting polymorphism and the presence of a high level of genetic diversity and distant relatedness among the studied coffee accessions. The observed diversity could be exploited in the future coffee breeding program to develop heterotic hybrid coffee varieties through crossing of divergent parental lines. The highly informative SSRs markers can be also used in genetic analysis of Arabica coffee germplasm conserved in the field gene bank at Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC) to establish core collections for effective conservation, management and utilization purpose

Various roasting characteristics against alteration of antioxidant activity, amino acids content, and flavor of Java Ijen-Raung coffee beans

The coffee roasting keys are temperature and time. Coffee beans have many chemical and physical reactions while the roasting is running. These reactions are characterized by a pattern in the drying and development phases during coffee roasting. This study discussed how roasting affected the characteristics of coffee beans, particularly antioxidant activity and amino acids, and also tried to define the roasting process by describing each roasting phase. The study discussed these characteristics of Java Ijen arabica coffee, which has speciality coffee criteria. The roasting process can increase amino acids and antioxidant activity inside the coffee beans, but the excessive heat and longer duration of roasting can burn the amino acids. Based on this study, the highest antioxidant Activity was found in beans that had been roasted with a total roasting time under 13 minutes, started with charge temperature of 148oC, and released at 190.5oC. The beans that had been roasted with a total duration under 13 minutes, started with charge temperature of 149oC, and released at 184.8oC is the best roasting degree with the highest score on the cup test

Application of Coconut Shell Biochar and Rhizobacteria Consortium to Increase Cocoa Production (Theobroma cacao L.)

The decline in Indonesia’s cocoa production as a result of soil fertility degra dation causes fertilization to become one of effective effects. Because of that, it is possible to restore soil fertility potential by using soil fertility enhancer biochar combined with rhizobacteria consortium to create suitable conditions for plant.This research was aimed to study and investigate coconut shell biochar interacts with rhizobacteria in increasing cocoa production. This research was conducted at Kodeoha, North Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi from September 2022 until March 2023. A split plot design with three replications each consisted of two experimental units was used as an experimental design. Biochar dosage as the main plot consisted of four levels, namely 0 ton ha-1 (control), 2.5 ton ha-1, 5 ton ha-1, and 7.5 ton ha-1 and rhizobacteria concentration as the sub plots consisted offour levels, namely 0 mL L-1, 50 mL L-1, 100 mL L-1, and 150 mL L-1. Results of this research showed a significant interaction between biochar 5 tons ha-1 and rhizobacteria 100 mL L-1 which provide best result for chlorophyll a (336 μmol m-2), chlorophyll b (150 μmol m-2), and total chlorophyll (484 μmol m-2). The interaction between biochar 5 tons ha-1 and rhizobacteria 150 mL L-1 showed the best results for number of harvested pods per tree (10.00 pods), bean weight per tree (606 g trees-1), stomata opening area (31 μm2). The interaction between biochar 7.5 tons ha-1 and rhizobacteria 150 mL L-1 showed the best results on the weight of 100 dry beans at water content 8% (159.03 g

Attitude and Perception towards Coffee Consumption Effects: Insights from College Students in Mumbai

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It is highly consumed among many parts of India. Various studies concentrate on the effects of consuming coffee and consumer’s behavior in purchasing products related to coffee. Less studies focus on their effect among college students. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the coffee consumption habits and the perception of its effect among college students in Mumbai. The study was performed using convenient sampling method with a sample size of 234 students studying in different colleges from Mumbai. This study collected information about the characteristics of the students participated, coffee intake habits and the perception of its effect on consuming coffee. The majority of the students in this study consume coffee. Using factor analysis, the major factors affecting the consumption of coffee on daily basis was identified. The consumption of coffee was more during their important academic activities such as project work or examination days. Due to the burden of exams, students consume coffee to increase their study hours and academic performance

Economic Analysis of Cocoa Production Cropping Pattern in Nigeria, West Africa

Cocoa is the most prominent export crop in Nigeria in terms of its production and export capacities. There is dearth of literature on the profitability of the different cropping systems. This study therefore examined the profitability of the different cocoa cropping systems and the factors that affect the revenue of cocoa farmers for each of the cropping systems. The study area was Nigeria and information were collected from one hundred and eighty farmers using well-structured question- naires. Descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and linear regression were used for analysis in this study. The study revealed that twenty-seven farmers practised sole cocoa cropping, seventy-five farmers practised cocoa/arable cropping and seventy-eight farmers practised cocoa/tree cropping systems, respectively.  The mean age of farmers in sole cocoa cropping system was 49.3 years, for cocoa/ arable cropping system the mean age was 47.8 years while for cocoa/tree cropping system the mean age of farmers was 47.2 years. For sole cocoa cropping system, the total cost (TC) was USD 7,764; the gross revenue (GR) was USD 43,774 with USD 36,009 as profit made from the cropping system. The TC for cocoa/tree cropping system in Nigeria was USD 18,003, GR was USD 124,104 and the profit was USD 106,102. Similarly for cocoa/arable cropping system, the TC was USD 16,215, GR was USD 109,849 and profit was USD 93,634. The determinants for the three cocoa cropping systems were age, gender, marital status (married), educational level (primary), cost of seedling, cost of fertilizer, cost of fungicide, cost of herbicide, labour cost for bush clearing, land preparation,  weeding and planting. Cocoa/tree and cocoa/arable cropping systems were more profitable than sole cocoa cropping systems. However, cocoa/ tree cropping system was more profitable with a value of USD 106,102

Sensory Profile on Robusta Coffee by Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA)

Coffee flavor strongly influences consumers preference. Geographical location is one factor influencing the flavor of Robusta coffee. Descriptive sensory using RATA was used to differentiate the sensory profiles of several Robusta coffees. Sensomic approach by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) success- fully differentiated Robusta coffee from Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia. It showed that Robusta from different growing locations has specific sensory characteristics. Robusta coffee from Gunung Malang, Tanggul, and Pakis was characterized by sweet and acid aromas, while coffee from Kemiri was characterized by sweet and sour taste, brown color, bitter aroma, and rough mouthfeel. Meanwhile Sidomulyo I and Sidomulyo II coffees, which were grown near each other and at similar altitudes, have similar characteristics, although the process was different. Both coffees have bitter aftertastes  and bodies, burnt aromas, astringent flavors, and high levels of bitterness. In contrast, Robusta Rowosari, Tugusari, and Badean were characterized by low sweetness, sourness, bitter aroma, and rough mouthfeel

Structure and labor use pattern among cocoa farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria

Human labour is about the only main source of labour available to smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Smallholder farmers contribute over 85% of domestic agricultural output in Nigeria, hence, human labour accounts for the domestic food supply in Nigeria. Therefore, the need to continue supplying food for the ever-growing Nigerian population anchors on human labour productivity. In Nigerian agriculture, hired labour is predominantly used. Human labour plays a very significant role in agricultural development, especially in developing countries where technological development is still very low. In view of the importance of labour in agricultural production, this study was designed to investigate the structure and use pattern of farm labour in the study area. The study was carried out in Ondo state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 160 farmers. After sorting for missing data, 144 cocoa farmers’ data were used for analysis in this study. Seventy-five percent of the total respondents were above 50 years of age and about 25.01% of the total respondents were 50 years and below. The majority (79.17%) of the farmers were men. Also, 75.07% of the respondents had a formal level of education. In the study contract type of labour is majorly used for most activities in cocoa farming while cooperative labour was seldom used. Activities such as land clearing (75.0%), planting (83.32%), weeding (95.83%), application of chemicals (91.67%), removal of mistletoes (87.50%), harvesting of cocoa pods (87.50%), conveyance of cocoa pods to the pod breaking point (95.83%), breaking of cocoa pods (100%) and conveyance of cocoa beans to the point of fermentation (88.33%) were majorly carried out by contract labour. Male labour was mostly utilized for all the activities as indicated by most farmers. Female labour was sparingly utilized for some activities such as land clearing (8.33%), planting (0%), application of chemicals (8.33%), spraying of chemicals (4.17%), removal of mistletoes (0%) and harvesting of cocoa pods (12.5%). The study recommended that funds should be made available to farmers to engage in contract labour and also there should be the need to use equipment and machinery to reduce drudgery

The Growth Enhancement in Three Arabica Coffee Clones by Frequent Watering in Seedling Stage

Coffee cultivation in Indonesia generally only relies on rainfall as a source of water. Drought that occurs in the dry season inhibits growth, reduces yields, and even death of plants. Not all plants are equally resistant to drought conditions. Drought-resistant coffee clones usually develop several resistance mechanisms, including the formation of specific compounds to protect cells and tissues from damage caused by drought stress. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of watering interval on the seedling growth of three clones of Arabica coffee. This study used applying intervals of watering every two, four and six days as first factor and three Arabica coffee clones as second factor, namely Andungsari 2K, S 795, and Andungsari 1. The experimental design used a factorial completely randomized design where every treatment combination had three replications.  This study on Arabica coffee nursery lasted  for three months. Results obtained in this study demonstrated that combination of watering every four and six days on Andungsari 2K clone had the best values on several observed variables. Number of stomata, leaf thickness, fresh root weight, and root dry weight were larger for watering every six days on the Andungsari 2K clone, meanwhile leaf number, stem diameter, fresh and dry weight of leaves were larger for watering every four days on Andungsari 2K clone. This study showed that there was an interaction between watering intervals and Arabica coffee clones on plant growth. Treatment combination of watering every six and four days on Andungsari 2K clone significantly affect number of stomata, fresh root weight, and root dry weight especially for watering every six days on Andungsari 2K clone. &nbsp

Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Three Arabica Coffee Varieties at Four Seed Soaking Water Temperatures

It takes three weeks to analyze the germination percentage of Arabica coffee seeds germinated using paper and a three-day water-soaking  method. This 3- week period is considered too long for seed distribution to remote areas. Thus, we need to modify this germination test needs to be modified to have a shorter test time. Temperature treatment is one method to break the seed dormancy period for faster germination. This study aimed to obtain a faster and more precise method of germination test on Arabica coffee seeds. This study employed a 3 x 4 factorial complete randomized block design with three replications in which Arabica coffee varieties of Gayo-1, Kartika-1, and Sigararutang as the first factor and the temperature of the soaking water of the seeds (25 0C, 50 0C, 75 0C, and 90 0C) as the second factor. The research was conducted at the Plant Breeding Laboratory, Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI), for four months. Findings showed that the interaction between treatments was only found in seed germination percentage. Soaking in room temperature water (control) for three days was better than using water at 50 0C, 75 0C, and 90 0C on the germination percentage, sprout length, and vigor index. Observations of Arabica seed germination could be shortened to 14 days compared to the standard 21-day observation.  During the seedling phase, the shoot growth and root growth of the Arabica coffee seeds soaked in water at 50 0C showed no significant difference from the control. Soaking at 75 0C and 90 0C damaged the embryo and resulted in rotten seeds. Different varieties led to different germination percentages, sprout lengths, and fresh weight of seedling shoots. The method of soaking at 50 0C for 30 minutes could be used as an alternative in germination test of Arabica coffee seeds because it showed small negative effect on germinated seed and seedling quality but it shorten thetesting time for three days

Response of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seedling Growth on Various Growing Media and Organic Plant Supplements

Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao L.) as a plantation crop which success is determined by healthy and quality seedlings. The use of planting media with a mixture of manure and plant organic supplements may result in healthy soil because it contains soil microorganisms  that are beneficial and may support the growth of cocoa seedlings. Purpose of this study was to determine the initial growth response of cocoa seedlings on various growing media and dosages of an organic plant supplement as liquid organic fertilizer. The research was conducted in February–September 2022 in a nursery located in Kradenan, Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi Regency and in Agricultural Laboratory of University of Jember, Bondowoso Campus, Bondowoso Regency. Study was carried out in a 4 x 4 factorial using a randomized block design with three replications. The first factor was planting media which consisted of four levels of treatment, namely soil + chicken manure, soil + goat manure, soil + cow manure, and soil + rabbit manure. The second factor was dose of organic plant supplement which consisted of 4 levels, namely the control treatment of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mL polybag-1. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and follow-up tests using Duncan’s multiple range test at 5% level. Variables observed included seedling height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, number of roots, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of seedlings. The results showed that there was an interaction effect on all parameters except seedling height, number of leaves, and number of roots. The conclusion of the study showed that there was an effect of interaction treatment with the best treatment combination planting media using cow manure and organic plant supplement dose of 50 mL polybag-1