Central Coffee Research Institute In Chikkamagaluru To Release New Arabica Coffee Varieties

Three of these—S 5085, S 5086, and S 5059—will be introduced for multi-location trials, while the fourth variety, S 4595, is being made available to coffee growers. (Representative image)

CHIKKAMAGALURU: As the Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) in Chikkamagaluru prepares to celebrate its centenary in October 2025, it has announced the release of four new Arabica coffee varieties developed in-house.

Three of these—S 5085, S 5086, and S 5059—will be introduced for multi-location trials, while the fourth variety, S 4595, is being made available to coffee growers.

Dr. M. Senthil Kumar, Director of Research at CCRI under the Coffee Board, confirmed that all four are F1 hybrid strains—first-generation hybrids created by crossing two genetically distinct parent plants. These hybrids are developed to combine desired traits such as disease resistance and higher productivity.

Among them, S 4595 stands out for its resilience against the white stem borer (Xylotrechus quadripes), a serious pest that affects Arabica plantations. This insect poses a major threat to coffee estates, particularly in Karnataka’s coffee-producing districts of Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan, which account for approximately 70% of India’s total coffee output.

The three varieties headed for trial each offer significant improvements. S 5059 is an upgraded HDT-Catuai line bred for better rust resistance and yield. S 5085 and S 5086 are advanced Chandragiri selections, also designed for increased yield and improved resistance to leaf rust—a common fungal disease impacting coffee plants.

These new varieties aim to enhance productivity and sustainability in coffee cultivation, offering planters robust options to combat climatic and pest-related challenges across the state’s prime coffee-growing zones.

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