**Abstract**

*Coffea arabica L.* is a native coffee species probably originated in Abyssinia, now Ethiopia. The genetic diversity of *C. arabica* has economic implications directly related to profits by breeding for developing new varieties to a global market. The economic value of *C. arabica* genetic resources are estimated at US\$ 420 million, considered a 10% discount rate. Understanding the extent of traits variability and genetic diversity is essential to guide crosses between genotypes, targeting the development of new varieties with high economic value. This chapter will present the *C. arabica* economic importance, primarily to Brazil, the most significant world producer; we will outline the origin and dispersion of arabica coffee and briefly show the leading germplasm banks. We will also point out contribution of genetic diversity studies based on morphological, agronomic traits, and molecular markers supporting the development of new varieties. Finally, we present an outline for the future.

**Keywords:** economic importance, genetic resources, molecular markers

### **1. Introduction**

Coffee is an everyday beverage and consumed enthusiastically throughout the world. This popular beverage is a primary source of annual income and employment, contributing economically, on four continents, as well as too many emerging nations. In the second half of the nineteenth-century coffee was transformed into an industrial product as a consequence of the accelerated expansion of coffee production in Brazil, which in turns, nurtured the growth of a mass consumer market in the United States [1].

Coffee crop, in current times, spread in over 10 million hectares grown in more than 80 tropical and sub-tropical nations. On a social basis, it plays a relevant role notably for the subsistence of nearly 20 million coffee-farming families in underdeveloped countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America [2]. In the world, coffee places in the second-largest export commodity position only behind to the petroleum products [3].

According to the USDA 2020/21 Forecast Overview [4], the world coffee production is estimated at approximately 9 million bags (60 kilograms) superior to the past year record of 176.1 million. The forecast is that Brazil accounts for most considerable of the increment because its arabica coffee crops start the on-year of the biennial production cycle and robusta coffee is achieving record output. Brazil is the leading supporter of the forecast for the expansion in world exports. Arabica output in Brazil is forecast to achieve 6.8 million bags above the preceding season to 47.8 million. Most favorable climate conditions prevailed in the majority coffee regions, promoting coffee fruit setting and development and filling, thus succeeding in high yields.

The genus *Coffea* includes approximately 124 well-identified species. *Coffea canephora* P. and *Coffea arabica* L. are commercially highpoints species [5]. *C. arabica* is a member of the family Rubiaceae and is a single polyploid species inside the genus *Coffea*. This true allotetraploid has 2n = 4x = 44 chromosomes. It is the old and most cultivated species of a coffee plant [6, 7]. Concerning floral biology, each species of the *Coffea* genus has its particularities and *C. arabica* can be characterized as self-fertile, it means that reproduction occur through self-fertilization, with an allogamy index of about 10%, on average. One research carried out at the Instituto Agronômico de Campinas concluded that insects (bees in particular), wind and gravity, are the main responsible for the pollination of coffee [8].

Genetic diversity is a prerequisite component of biodiversity, obligatory for species reproduction, and essential for adapting species to a dynamic environment [9]. Besides, assessment of genetic diversity directly impacts the development of new varieties through breeding. So, valuable genetic traits can be transferred to existing plant cultivars to achieve goals towards increasing crop yields, characteristics related to the quality of crops, resistance to disease and pest, etc. Plant breeding focused on wild races genetic information is usual for most global crops and has driven an essential contribution to increasing global food security [10]. Notwithstanding, genetic information wild races have been reduced at an alarming rate, specifically for tropical crop species, including *C. arabica* [11, 12]. Among other expert scholars, Labouisse et al. [13] cite deforestation as a noticeable contributing factor affecting the genetic erosion of coffee in Ethiopia. McNeely et al. [14] states some issues like land use conversion, overexploitation, and introduction of exotics species as factors contributing to native populations decimate.

In plant breeding, it is decisive to identify the most critical phenotypic traits to increase plant production. Therefore, the assessment of trait occurrences and dissimilarities in a population is the key to defining possibly useful crosses among accessions. The first line of attack is to understand the extent of the variability of some species. To do that, many countries around the world strategically centered money and human capital on collecting, assessing, and keeping the genetic resources available on germplasm banks. Although many studies emphasize the genetic diversity with molecular markers, it is also useful for plant breeders to contemplate the morphological and agronomical diversity of interest traits. In this context, we briefly show the coffee chain's budget value, summarily point out the leading germplasm banks, and concisely demonstrate the employment of genetic diversity assessed on morphological and agronomical traits, along with molecular markers approaches.

### **2. Economic importance of** *Coffea arabica*

Coffee represents an agricultural commodity that has stood out in international trade and domestic supply in terms of quantity and value [15]. Developing countries correspond to the leading suppliers, while the main buyers are developed countries, in which coffee consumption is full-bodied. The soil characteristics of the intertropical and equatorial regions of the world play a fundamental role in the coffee marketing chain worldwide [16].

Approximately 170 countries are coffee producers, and almost all countries are consumers, highlighting its commercial importance, which has grown steadily

**61**

*Genetic Diversity of* Coffea arabica

prices [16].

until the mid-1990s [19].

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94744*

thirds of the global demand for coffee [16].

over the last 150 years [17]. Even with the crop distribution range, it has not represented a barrier to the growing production concentration in some nations. Currently, 70% of the consumed coffee worldwide comes from Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. In contrast, the primary consumer countries are the United States, the European Union, Brazil, and Japan, which account for two-

Agricultural products usually have limited extended storage to avoid severe losses of quality. However, in coffee, the beans can be stored for decades, since observed aspects regarding the limits of humidity, light, temperature, and the latter keeping with reasonable consumption conditions. The coffee profile allows coffee growers to use the harvest with a strategic vision of economics. Many of them prefer store in bags instead of selling them immediately, hoping they will reach better

Coffee was introduced in Brazil in 1727 through French Guiana and spread from

The cultivation of coffee has evolved significantly and contributed to economic development throughout the history of Brazilian regions, particularly during early times and locations where the crop implantation occurred. The establishment of farming dates back to the 18th century in the northern land, precisely at the State of Pará. Later, it moved to the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (which corresponds to the Paraíba Valley). In 1850, cultivation spread rapidly towards Serra da Mantiqueira and Santos. In the 20th century, coffee cultivation continued its expansion in the states of São Paulo, south of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Paraná and also to the northern region of Brazil, in the State of Rondônia. During this period of growth, the Brazilian economy, in general, was strongly associated with the coffee market, and the Brazilian Federal Government heavily regulated the coffee market

Twelve states represent the primary coffee-producing regions in Brazil, and there are about 300,000 coffee plantations in the country, spread over 1950 cities is estimated. The state of Minas Gerais holds about 50% of the total coffee production in Brazil. Minas Gerais state offers topography and mountain climate ideal for the cultivation of coffee that along with the low-cost land, and abundance of cheap

Minas Gerais accounts for approximately 50% of coffee cultivated in Brazil, 98%

At world scenario, the International Coffee Organization estimated that in 2014, the consumption of coffee was 150.3 million bags of 60 kg, in 2015; it rose to 152.1 million bags. In the last four years, the annual increase has remained an average of 2%. There was a significant increase in consumption in the Asia region, with rates of growth in the range between 4.5 and 9% in Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Thailand. World coffee production in 2015 was 143.4 million 60 kg bags [22]. In April 2020, analyzing world coffee exports, it appoints an estimate to the 10.82 million bags, whereas, in April 2019, this number was 11.17 million. In the first seven months of the coffee year from 2019 to 2020 (the period between October/19 to April/20), they decreased 3.8% concerning exports in the same period from 2018 to 2019, totaling 72.78 bags, against 75.67 million. Shipping of beans of *C. arabica* species in the 12 months ending in April 2020 totaled 81.30 million bags, against 80.75 million bags the previous year [23]. In this context, Brazil has been responsible for 20% of coffee exports in the world. Due to the exponential growth

of this occupancy with *C. arabica* species that is the most economically relevant species. Some of the most economically outstanding cultivars of *C. arabica* in Brazil

are Mundo Novo, Bourbon, Catuai Vermelho, and Catuai Amarelo [21].

northern Brazil to the southeast states, mainly in the mountain regions. Coffee developed in these areas due to favorable climate conditions for its grown, such as

mild temperature, heavy rains, and distinct dry season [18].

labor, may contribute to their outstanding position [20].

#### *Genetic Diversity of* Coffea arabica *DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94744*

*Genetic Variation*

ing in high yields.

output in Brazil is forecast to achieve 6.8 million bags above the preceding season to 47.8 million. Most favorable climate conditions prevailed in the majority coffee regions, promoting coffee fruit setting and development and filling, thus succeed-

The genus *Coffea* includes approximately 124 well-identified species. *Coffea* 

*canephora* P. and *Coffea arabica* L. are commercially highpoints species [5]. *C. arabica* is a member of the family Rubiaceae and is a single polyploid species inside the genus *Coffea*. This true allotetraploid has 2n = 4x = 44 chromosomes. It is the old and most cultivated species of a coffee plant [6, 7]. Concerning floral biology, each species of the *Coffea* genus has its particularities and *C. arabica* can be characterized as self-fertile, it means that reproduction occur through self-fertilization, with an allogamy index of about 10%, on average. One research carried out at the Instituto Agronômico de Campinas concluded that insects (bees in particular),

wind and gravity, are the main responsible for the pollination of coffee [8].

exotics species as factors contributing to native populations decimate.

In plant breeding, it is decisive to identify the most critical phenotypic traits to increase plant production. Therefore, the assessment of trait occurrences and dissimilarities in a population is the key to defining possibly useful crosses among accessions. The first line of attack is to understand the extent of the variability of some species. To do that, many countries around the world strategically centered money and human capital on collecting, assessing, and keeping the genetic resources available on germplasm banks. Although many studies emphasize the genetic diversity with molecular markers, it is also useful for plant breeders to contemplate the morphological and agronomical diversity of interest traits. In this context, we briefly show the coffee chain's budget value, summarily point out the leading germplasm banks, and concisely demonstrate the employment of genetic diversity assessed on morphological and agronomical traits, along with molecular

Coffee represents an agricultural commodity that has stood out in international trade and domestic supply in terms of quantity and value [15]. Developing countries correspond to the leading suppliers, while the main buyers are developed countries, in which coffee consumption is full-bodied. The soil characteristics of the intertropical and equatorial regions of the world play a fundamental role in the

Approximately 170 countries are coffee producers, and almost all countries are consumers, highlighting its commercial importance, which has grown steadily

Genetic diversity is a prerequisite component of biodiversity, obligatory for species reproduction, and essential for adapting species to a dynamic environment [9]. Besides, assessment of genetic diversity directly impacts the development of new varieties through breeding. So, valuable genetic traits can be transferred to existing plant cultivars to achieve goals towards increasing crop yields, characteristics related to the quality of crops, resistance to disease and pest, etc. Plant breeding focused on wild races genetic information is usual for most global crops and has driven an essential contribution to increasing global food security [10]. Notwithstanding, genetic information wild races have been reduced at an alarming rate, specifically for tropical crop species, including *C. arabica* [11, 12]. Among other expert scholars, Labouisse et al. [13] cite deforestation as a noticeable contributing factor affecting the genetic erosion of coffee in Ethiopia. McNeely et al. [14] states some issues like land use conversion, overexploitation, and introduction of

**60**

markers approaches.

**2. Economic importance of** *Coffea arabica*

coffee marketing chain worldwide [16].

over the last 150 years [17]. Even with the crop distribution range, it has not represented a barrier to the growing production concentration in some nations. Currently, 70% of the consumed coffee worldwide comes from Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. In contrast, the primary consumer countries are the United States, the European Union, Brazil, and Japan, which account for twothirds of the global demand for coffee [16].

Agricultural products usually have limited extended storage to avoid severe losses of quality. However, in coffee, the beans can be stored for decades, since observed aspects regarding the limits of humidity, light, temperature, and the latter keeping with reasonable consumption conditions. The coffee profile allows coffee growers to use the harvest with a strategic vision of economics. Many of them prefer store in bags instead of selling them immediately, hoping they will reach better prices [16].

Coffee was introduced in Brazil in 1727 through French Guiana and spread from northern Brazil to the southeast states, mainly in the mountain regions. Coffee developed in these areas due to favorable climate conditions for its grown, such as mild temperature, heavy rains, and distinct dry season [18].

The cultivation of coffee has evolved significantly and contributed to economic development throughout the history of Brazilian regions, particularly during early times and locations where the crop implantation occurred. The establishment of farming dates back to the 18th century in the northern land, precisely at the State of Pará. Later, it moved to the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (which corresponds to the Paraíba Valley). In 1850, cultivation spread rapidly towards Serra da Mantiqueira and Santos. In the 20th century, coffee cultivation continued its expansion in the states of São Paulo, south of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Paraná and also to the northern region of Brazil, in the State of Rondônia. During this period of growth, the Brazilian economy, in general, was strongly associated with the coffee market, and the Brazilian Federal Government heavily regulated the coffee market until the mid-1990s [19].

Twelve states represent the primary coffee-producing regions in Brazil, and there are about 300,000 coffee plantations in the country, spread over 1950 cities is estimated. The state of Minas Gerais holds about 50% of the total coffee production in Brazil. Minas Gerais state offers topography and mountain climate ideal for the cultivation of coffee that along with the low-cost land, and abundance of cheap labor, may contribute to their outstanding position [20].

Minas Gerais accounts for approximately 50% of coffee cultivated in Brazil, 98% of this occupancy with *C. arabica* species that is the most economically relevant species. Some of the most economically outstanding cultivars of *C. arabica* in Brazil are Mundo Novo, Bourbon, Catuai Vermelho, and Catuai Amarelo [21].

At world scenario, the International Coffee Organization estimated that in 2014, the consumption of coffee was 150.3 million bags of 60 kg, in 2015; it rose to 152.1 million bags. In the last four years, the annual increase has remained an average of 2%. There was a significant increase in consumption in the Asia region, with rates of growth in the range between 4.5 and 9% in Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Thailand. World coffee production in 2015 was 143.4 million 60 kg bags [22].

In April 2020, analyzing world coffee exports, it appoints an estimate to the 10.82 million bags, whereas, in April 2019, this number was 11.17 million. In the first seven months of the coffee year from 2019 to 2020 (the period between October/19 to April/20), they decreased 3.8% concerning exports in the same period from 2018 to 2019, totaling 72.78 bags, against 75.67 million. Shipping of beans of *C. arabica* species in the 12 months ending in April 2020 totaled 81.30 million bags, against 80.75 million bags the previous year [23]. In this context, Brazil has been responsible for 20% of coffee exports in the world. Due to the exponential growth

of global consumption and the capacity to produce in large quantities, Brazil has become one of the largest coffee beans exporters. In numbers, it represents more than 34 thousand bags, which corresponds to the US \$ 5.4 billion in revenue, 15% of which consists of *Specialty* coffee. The United States and Germany are the major importing countries [24]. The coffee tree farmland employs approximately 26 million people, many of whom are small farmers, dependent mainly on coffee for their livelihood [25].

In the budgetary part, the International Coffee Organization's composite indicator fell 4.1% in May 2020, registering an average of 104.45 US cents per pound, which represented a second consecutive month of decline. The price trend curve for all *C. arabica* groups was bearish. From October 2019 to April 2020, shipments from Africa increased 7% to 7.66 million bags, and those from Asia and Oceania increased by 0.6%, to 23.62 million bags. In the same period, shipments from Central America and Mexico fell 4.9% to 8.77 million bags, and those from South America fell 8.6% to 32.74 million [23].

A series of research recognizes the economic value of genetic diversity [26]. However, these authors confirm the market failure in the case of conservation of coffee genetic resources, especially in Ethiopian highland forests, alerting that in 10 years, the coffee forest will disappear if the current devastation rates persists, which is alarming. This study addressed Ethiopian genetic coffee resources, the primary centre of diversity, revealing the potential economic importance of amounts to nearly US\$1458 million, considering a 5% discount rate and US\$420 million for a 10% discount rate. A good explanation of this outsized discount rate impact may be the expressive time lag between the required cost of coffee breeding programmes and the gains resulting from enhanced cultivars development.
