January 10, 2014 at 05:31PM A comprehensive study has confirmed the genetic structure of African coffee genotypes

The species Coffea canephora, which produces Robusta coffee, has substantial genetic diversity, which could almost certainly be better exploited in breeding programmes were it characterized better. A team from CIRAD recently analysed that diversity using microsatellite markers. This was the first truly comprehensive genetic study of the species. It confirmed the existence of diversity groups, analysed the relations between them and determined the genetic structure of the species, particularly the role played by refuge zones during the last glacial maximum and the effect of human intervention on its construction. The results are crucial for the management and use of genetic resource collections.

via CIRAD - Actualités / News http://ift.tt/1dPDI7U