Coffee Plant Strains Available in India

1. Arabica Varieties

• S795
  • Background: Developed in India; a hybrid of S288 and Kent.
  • Traits: Good cup quality, high yield, disease resistance.
  • Regions: Widely grown in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.
• Kent
  • Background: One of the oldest cultivars, selected for leaf rust resistance.
  • Traits: Balanced flavor, medium body, good disease resistance.
  • Regions: Traditional estates across South India.
• Cauvery (Catimor)
  • Background: Hybrid of Caturra and Hybrido de Timor.
  • Traits: Compact plant, high yield, Leaf rust resistance.
  • Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
• Selection 9
  • Background: Hybrid of Tafarikela and Hybrido de Timor.
  • Traits: High cup quality, Leaf rust resistance, high yield.
  • Recognition: Won “Best Arabica” at the “Flavour of India – Fine Cup Award.”
• Selection 4, 5, 6, 7, 10
  • Background: Hybrids developed by Indian Coffee Research Institute.
  • Traits: Adapted to Indian conditions, varying cup profiles.

2. Robusta Varieties

• S274
  • Background: Main robusta strain developed in India.
  • Traits: Good yield, moderate cup quality, disease resistance.
• CxR (Congensis x Robusta)
  • Background: Hybrid of Coffea congensis and Robusta.
  • Traits: Vigorous growth, higher yield, improved cup quality.
• Peridenia
  • Background: Originally from Sri Lanka, adapted in India.
  • Traits: Good yield, used in some regions.

3. Other Notable Strains

• Bourbon, SLN 5B, Chandragiri, San Ramon
  • Background: Some estates experiment with international varietals for specialty markets.
  • Traits: Unique cup profiles, lower yields, require careful cultivation.

Why These Strains?

• Disease Resistance: Many Indian varieties are bred for resistance to coffee leaf rust and other diseases.
• Adaptability: Suited for Indian monsoon climate, altitude, and soil types.
• Cup Quality: Several Indian-developed strains (like Selection 9 and S795) are internationally recognized for flavor.

Regional Highlights

• Karnataka (Chikmagalur, Coorg, Bababudangiris): S795, Kent, Selection 9, S274
• Kerala (Wayanad, Idukki): S795, S274, Selection 9
• Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris, Shevaroys, Pulneys): S795, Cauvery, Selection 9