Taxonomy_of_the_coffee_plant

Catuai: A pure-line (one genotype predominating) cultivar developed by the Instituto Agronomico de
Campinas (IAC) 1949 in Brazil. Catuai originated from a cross between Mundo Novo and yellow Caturra,
having inherited the dwarism from Caturra having either yellow or red cherries (Catuai-amarelo or Catuaivermelho).
lt has good productivity, average ripening of fruits and is susceptible to all main pests and
diseases, although it is said to have some resistance against CLR. However, giving the fact that pesticide
use in Brazil is common and plenty, this hypothesis has to be tested. It forms the other basis for coffee
production in Brazil, accounting for 60 % of its production. Due to its small size Catuai is grown in dense
plantations under full sun, which requires a high level of care (e.g. watering, fertilization). It also was
distributed to Central American countries, e.g. Costa Rica and Guatemala. It has average cup quality.
Bourbon Pointu/Laurina: A natural mutation of Bourbon that originally occurred on the island of
‘Bourbon’ (La Réunion) from a Weld at the beginningof the 19th century, first described in 1947. lt has also
a dwarf stature and a "Christmas tree" (pointed) shape. It has smaller leaves, narrow internodes, and
pointed seeds. Lt has excellent cup quality and is known to have a lower caffeine content than many other
C. arabica varieties. However, it is susceptible to CLR.
Some Laurina mutants were the first coffees to be patented by the roasting industry and the historical
context of its origin has been extensively discussed here (Lecolier et al, Euphytica (2009) 168:1–10).
Their conclusion for the “most likely hypothesis is the emergence of the mutation of a ‘Bourbon’ tree (from
Yemen) in La Réunion, its fixation as homozygous genotype lrlr by selfing, followed by its selection and its
multiplication by seeds as pure line”.
43