PT Volkopi Indonesia and NSCF together have been starting a coffee breeding which output will be a new genotype of coffee plant that will be resistant to Coffee Berry Borer (CBB). To read the the commitment of the cooperation between PT Volkopi Indonesia with NSCF, please click "PT Volkopi Indonesia Sells only the Best Coffee Bean".
Picture 1: Nethouse at PT Volkopi Indonesia’s Station at Sigumpar. Dr Sabam Malau (left, plant breeding scientist) and Mr Roberto Cardona (right, Chief of Agronomist). Photo taken on 9 September 2011.
A. Background
CBB is the most destructive pest in the world, Indonesia and North Sumatra. Please clik “Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei” to understand the horrible situation which was based on the research conducted by NSCF in year 2010. Please clik “Photos of how Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei Destructs Coffee Bean” to understand the nature of destructions. Please click “Coffee of The Word is now on the Way to Death” to understand the horrible situation. CBB must be eradicated for the sake of coffee sustainability. We have to do something fundamentally as followings.
1. Research one
In population of coffee plants that were severe attacked by CBB in 9 regencies (Kabupaten), I found some plants that were higher resistant significantly to CBB in comparison with the plants next to it. These findings were in my CBB survey on November-December 2010. My hypothesis is: those resistances are due to genetic factors. Natural mutation can be the cause of those new genotypes. If this hypothesis is then proven true, then those plants will be sources of seeds of resistant plants to CBB. So, we need to do research. Potential gonotypes from 8 regencies (Kabupaten) of North Sumatra Province will be selected and collected. These genotypes will be tested in field trials at Volkopi Station at Sigumpar Lintong, Humbanghas Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
2. Research two
New genotype such as resistant genotypes can be created through conventional breeding in which 2 different genotypes will be crossed. The broader the genetic differences is, the higher the possibilities to get such new resistant genotypes. PT Volkopi Indonesia has the potential parental genotypes at Sigumpar Station. We need to do breeding research. Potential parents will be crossed reciprocally at Volkopi Station at Sigumpar Lintong, and then selection and field trials on the progenies will be conducted.
B. Cooperation
- Both of the researches needs at least 4 years time of research. The field work of the research will start as soon as possible (October 2011)
- Both of the researches need facilities and fund. PT Volkopi Indonesia will provide land, polybags, workers and some certain equipment at station. NSCF will provide some money for other needs of the researches.
- Other co-funders are welcome. If you'd like to get involved in this promising research, then don't hesitate to contact me through my email drsabammalau@hotmail.com
- The research results will be published in International Journal by Sabam Malau (NSCF) as First Author, Volkopi Indonesia as Co-Author and other co-funders (if available) as Co-Authors.
Kind regards,
Dr. Sabam Malau
NSCF Chairman