This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Genetic analysis revealed that several seeds from a batch sold as Sidra were not, in fact, Sidra; their genetic profile was closer to that of Batian, a Kenyan variety. The finding comes from a study by researchers at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), who analyzed four morphotypes of plants grown from seeds marketed as Sidra and Gesha on a farm in southern Ecuador.
Only two of the four morphotypes matched the variety declared at the time of purchase. The research is published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science. In specialty coffee, a variety's identity is linked to genetic traits that can influence its growth, productivity and cup quality.
Methods for verifying that identity, however, can be costly or difficult for producers to access. In the case studied, the seeds had been purchased without genetic or phytosanitary certification. The plants grew for approximately three years before differences observed in the field led the researchers to verify their identity through genetic analysis and morphological characterization.
To identify the varieties planted on the farm, a genetic analysis was commissioned from a specialist in coffee genetics. This analysis used molecular markers, small regions of DNA that allow different organisms to be compared genetically. In addition, the research team recorded visible, easily recognizable morphological traits, such as plant architecture and the shape of the leaves, branches and fruits.
The analysis identified four morphotypes, two of which matched the expected commercial identity of Sidra. However, one morphotype within the Sidra batch showed a genetic profile consistent with Batian, a variety of Kenyan origin that does not belong to the same genetic group as the Ethiopian landraces to which Sidra is related. The second case concerned the plants purchased as Gesha.
Genetic analysis showed that they belonged to an Ethiopian landrace. Although they fell within the same genetic group, they were not identical to the CATIE reference accession in Costa Rica known as Geisha T.02722. Another notable finding concerns the extent to which physical traits could help distinguish between varieties.
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