Morphological characterization, diversity analysis and evaluation of coffee species from different agro-ecological zones of Benguet Province [Philippines]
2011
Tad-awan, B.A. | Pablo, J.P., Benguet State Univ., La Trinidad, Benguet (Philippines). Dept.of Agronomy
Coffee has existed for centuries in the province of Benguet and has been a part of the culture and lifestyle of the Benguet people. Few coffee species are known to abound in the province. At present there is scarce information on the existence and diversity of these species. Thus, the information generated in this study would be significant in conservation strategies of these coffee species and strains and future improvement or breeding work. The research was conducted from 2006-2010 to: collect germplasm of coffee species existing in Benguet; to morphologically characterize and evaluate germplasm of collected coffee species in Benguet; determine the diversity in the collections and relationships among the collected coffee species; and maintain a gene bank of collected coffee species with their characteristics. Germplasm collection was done in 12 municipalities of Benguet representing four agro-ecological zones. In-situ and ex-situ morphological characterization, diversity and cluster analysis was done on the collected germplasm. Evaluation was done on ex-situ under La Trinidad, Benguet condition (1,200 m asl). A total of 302 coffee accessions and strains were collected. Three major species were identified: arabica, robusta and liberica. Arabica is found mostly in elevations ranging from 900-1,800 m above sea level or high mountain zone. Robusta and liberica are found in low and mid-mountain zones (600-1,200 m above sea level). Diversity analysis revealed low variability of the characters among the collections. Low variation was confirmed by the clustering of the coffee collections in three major species. Results of ex-situ evaluation show potential accessions for future improvement such as mondo nuvo, robusta and liberica accessions from Bokod and Atok.
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