Phenotypic Characterization of Coffee (Coffea Arabica L.) Germplasm, in Ethiopia

Identification and characterization of coffee accessions in the base population is important for a successful conservation and utilization of genetic resources. The study was conducted at Metu Agricultural Research Sub Center to characterize extent of genetic variability of coffee accessions. Sixty four Coffee collections were used for this study. The experiment was superimposed during 2018 cropping seasons on six years old coffee trees, which were laid down in 8x8 simple lattice designs. The orchard was managed as per the coffee agronomic production practices. Data on 12 qualitative traits were recorded from four representative trees per row for each accession. Estimates of frequency distribution and Shannon and Weaver diversity index using qualitative traits revealed the presence of genetic variability between coffee geremplasm. The maximum diversity index (H’) (highly polymorphic) was found for fruit color (1.22) followed by young leaf tip color (1.08), stipule shape (1.06), leaf shape (1.04), angle of insertion on primary branches (0.97), fruit shape (0.91), growth habit (0.90) and branching habit (0.73), whereas low diversity (lowest polymorphic) was observed in fruit ribs (H`=0.50) and stem habit (H`=0.35). Cluster analysis Grouped 64 coffee accessions in to five clusters. Maximum numbers of accessions were included in cluster-II (29) followed by cluster-I (27), cluster-III (6) and cluster-IV (1). Thus, there is a chance to develop hybrid vigor through crossing diverged parents found in different cluster. Therefore, current study substantiated the existence of sufficient genetic variability in Yayu coffee germplasm for various morphological traits, which can be employed for successful conservation and utilization of genetic resources, as well to identify possible duplicates.