Testing of F sub(5) lines of catimor hybrid (Cattura vermehelo X Hybrido de timor for adaptation

Ten F sub(5) lines of catimor hybrid (cattura vermehelo X Hybrido de timor) known for their resistance to coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) were introduced from Portugal in 1979. These lines were tested in replicated trials at five different location Viz. Melko, Gera, Agaro, Mettu and Bebeka, in South western part of Ethiopia. The objective was to see their adaptation under Ethiopian condition and ultimately use them for commercial production and as a source of rust-resistance genes in crossing program. Difference between the catimor hybrid lines for yield, coffee berry disease (CBD) and survival rate were not consistently significant at all locations. The combined analysis, however, showed that the variations were significantly high for all characters. Variations between locations were highly significant for all the characters measured, but relative performance of the lines appeared consistent across locations for the characters measured except for CBD as shown by non-significant interaction effect. The lines showed considerably high yield performance only at Bebeka and among the lines, line No. 1579, 1779, 1979 and 2179 produced the highest yield of 15.4-19.4 Q/ha. They were low yielders and susceptible to CBD in other locations. On the other hand, the lines were highly resistant to leaf rust at all locations, but liable to tree death. The high yielding ability, better survival rate and resistance to leaf rust at Bebeka where low yield and rust are the major problems apparently indicated the adaptability of the lines at lower altitudes. Therefore, the four high yielders should be verified for immediate commercial use at Bebeka and similar other areas such as Tepi. The problem of tree death which was mainly due to stem disease (Gibberrela) could be partly solved by using herbicide, instead of weed slashing which is the major means of introduction and dissemination of the disease. In addition all the lines should be maintained for future use as a source of coffee leaf rust-resistance genes.