World Coffee Research (WCR) has launched a US$1.5 million initiative to develop advanced tools for coffee breeding, aiming to accelerate the creation of new, high-performing varieties. The project is supported by a grant from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and matched by co-investment from WCR member companies. The goal is to replace slower, observation-based breeding methods with faster, data-driven molecular techniques.
The initiative will focus on molecular breeding, which uses a plant's natural genetic diversity to identify key traits. By analyzing a plant's DNA for specific genetic markers linked to disease resistance, breeders can confirm the presence of desired characteristics in weeks rather than waiting years for field trial results. This approach, which does not involve genetic modification, could reduce the typical 25- to 30-year timeline for developing a new coffee variety by half or more.
The project is structured into three main components. The first will map genetic markers for resistance to major Arabica pests and diseases, including coffee leaf rust and coffee berry borer. The second will create a foundational genotyping tool for Coffea canephora (Robusta), similar to one already developed for Arabica. The third component involves training breeders from coffee-producing countries to integrate these genomic tools into their local programs, ensuring improved trees can be delivered to farmers more quickly.