Climate change threatens coffee production, particularly the delicate Coffea arabica variety, which may decline by 80% by 2050. However, researchers have found hope in Coffea robusta, a more resilient species. Robusta can adapt to varying climates and still produce high yields. This discovery could help secure coffee supplies for the future.
• Robusta has a larger genetic diversity than Arabica, allowing it to thrive in different environments.
• Researchers tested 27 Robusta genotypes in Brazil's cooler highlands, traditionally unsuitable for this species.
• Many Robusta cultivars performed well, yielding nearly 75 bags of beans per hectare in cooler conditions.
• Five specific genotypes showed exceptional stability in cooler temperatures, indicating strong resilience.
This research matters because it offers a sustainable solution to coffee production challenges posed by climate change. Farmers could shift to Robusta in cooler regions, ensuring a steady supply of coffee while using fewer resources. The findings pave the way for developing climate-smart coffee cultivars.
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