Central lab launches project to decode coffee genome

The Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) has taken up two major public-private research initiatives to tackle problems faced by coffee growers "" 'sequencing of the coffee genome' and developing a 'transgenic coffee plant variety' which can resist pests.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has sponsored the coffee genome project. This is a three-year programme initiated at CCRI's biotech centre in Mysore. Knowledge gained from the project is likely to help develop drought resistant coffee plants.

Scientists estimate the coffee genome to contain over 30,000 genes of which only a portion has been decoded. CCRI is also part of the International Coffee Genome Network which has taken up sequencing of the genes of the Robusta variety.

To carry out the coffee genome sequencing, CCRI has roped in four other research institutes, namely the Central Food Technology Research Institute, Mysore, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Madurai Kamaraj University, and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.

According to a CCRI official, "Coffee genome sequencing will help the institute to understand the coffee plant to develop new plant varieties which are resistant to moisture stress. As there is low or delayed rainfall is common in many coffee growing regions."

"Coffee growing regions in the Western Ghats nowadays are getting only 120 days of rainfall in a year as against the traditional 180 days. Thus the plants need to be tolerant to low moisture," he added.

Another key initiative of CCRI is to develop a new Arabica plant variety which can withstand the White Stem Borer (WSB). Here, the institute has roped in the Bangalore-based Metahelix Life Sciences and University of Agriculture, Dharwad. The white stem borer has caused a severe damage to the Arabica crop in Chikmagalur and parts of Kodagu.

According to a Coffee Board official, "In 2007-08, coffee production is likely to be affected due to the heavy rains in the region resulting in berry drop from the wet feet (ground) conditions and high-speed winds causing plant and crop damage. Heavy rains and hanging mist have also resulted in severe incidences of blackrot and stalkrot diseases which hit production."

"When these two major public-private research initiatives get through, part of the growers problems will be addressed," he added.