Unraveling the Genetic Secrets Behind Diverse Flavors of Arabica Coffee

A new study published in Nature Communications has produced a more complete genome sequence of Arabica coffee, revealing that historic hybridization with Robusta coffee is responsible for disease resistance in modern Arabica cultivars. The study found that Arabica coffee's large and complex genome, resulting from hybridization, poses challenges for breeding and genetic studies. The research also identified low genetic diversity within Arabica coffee, with diversity increasing in specific cultivars due to chromosomal abnormalities and genetic segments from a Robusta-Arabica hybrid. The findings may aid in developing new coffee varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance or different flavor profiles.