Typica-like genetic background.

GENETIC DESCRIPTION

Bourbon-Typica Group (Typica-related)

HISTORY

SL34 was originally selected in Kenya the late 1930s at the Scott Agricultural Laboratories (for more on Scott Labs, see SL28). Individual tree selections made at the Scott Laboratories in Kenya during the 1935-1939 period were prefixed “SL.” SL34 was selected from a single tree on the Loresho Estate in Kabete, Kenya since research at the Scott Laboratories was often conducted in cooperation with local, private estate owners. The tree was labeled “French Mission.”

French missionaries known as Spiritans established a mission in 1893 at Bura (Taita Hills, Kenya), in which Bourbon coffee seeds originating from La Réunion island were planted. The seedlings from Bura were brought to another French Mission in Saint Austin (near Nairobi) in 1899, and from there seeds were distributed to settlers willing to grow coffee. This is the origin of so-called French Mission coffee.

Because of the historical movement of coffee seeds directly from La Réunion via the French missionaries, French Mission is widely understood to be another name for Bourbon. However, recent genetic tests have indicated that SL34 is related to the Typica genetic group. It is possible that the original story about SL34 being selected from a French Mission population could be incorrect.

STATURE

Tall

LEAF TIP COLOR

Dark Bronze

BEAN SIZE

Large

COFFEE LEAF RUST

Susceptible

COFFEE BERRY DISEASE (CBD)

Susceptible

NEMATODES

Susceptible

Source: World Coffee Research

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Selection of „Tanganika Drought Resistant.” Bourbon-like genetic background.

GENETIC DESCRIPTION

Bourbon-Typica Group (Bourbon-related)

HISTORY

SL28 is among the most well-known and well-regarded varieties of Africa. It has consequently spread from Kenya, where it was originally selected in the 1930s, to other parts of Africa (it is important in Arabica-growing regions of Uganda, in particular) and now to Latin America. The variety is suited for medium to high altitudes and shows resistance to drought, but is susceptible to the major diseases of coffee. SL28 is notable for its rusticity—a quality meaning that it can be left untended for years or even decades at a time, and then return to successful production. There are SL28 trees in many parts of Kenya that are 60-80 years old and still productive.

SL28 was selected at the former Scott Agricultural Laboratories (now the National Agricultural Laboratories, NARL situated at Kabete—more information below). Individual tree selections made at the Scott Laboratories during the 1935-1939 period were prefixed SL. Fourty-two trees of various origins were selected and studied for yield, quality, and drought and disease resistance. SL28 was selected in 1935 from a single tree in a population called Tanganyika Drought Resistant. In 1931, the senior coffee officer of Scott Labs, A.D. Trench, conducted a tour of Tanganyika (now Tanzania). According to historical documents, he noticed a variety growing in the Moduli district that appeared to be tolerant to drought, diseases and pests. Seed was collected and brought back to Scott Laboratories, where its drought resistance was confirmed. It was widely distributed until superseded by its progeny, SL28. SL28 was considered the prize selection of this period of intensive breeding.

Recent genetic tests have confirmed that SL28 is related to the Bourbon genetic group.

History of Scott Agricultural Laboratories

Scott Agricultural Laboratories (now the National Agricultural Laboratories, NARL) was established by the colonial British government in Kenya in 1922. It conducted agricultural research and provided technical advice and training to Kenyan farmers on behalf of the Department of Agriculture. Scott Agricultural Labs employed an entomologist, a mycologist, and a plant breeder. The Coffee Section, previously housed in a central office of the department, was moved to the laboratories in 1934 and had twenty-four acres dedicated to coffee. The name of the unit was derived from the history of its buildings. Constructed in 1913 as a sanatorium and used during the First World War as a war hospital, the buildings were named for Dr. Henry Scott, a missionary from the Church of Scotland. When the Department of Agriculture took over the buildings in 1922, they named them the Scott Agricultural Laboratories. Both Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya and Lyamungo Research Station in Tanganyika became the main centers for coffee breeding in East Africa.

Research was conducted at the lab and in cooperation with private estate owners. A history of the labs states: “The trial of imported varieties is a conspicuous feature of the work at the Laboratories…. Selections from individual trees showing desirable characteristics are being grown.” Other coffee work included comparative yield trials, grafting experiments, and effects of pruning, shade trials, and cover crops, among others. In 1944, Kenya decided to move coffee research to a dedicated coffee research station with better facilities for field experiments; Jacaranda Estates (20 miles north of Ruiru) with 380 acres. It became operational in 1949. Substations were also established in Upper Kiambu in 1957, Meru in 1958, Kitale in 1938, Lake Victoria in 1959, and Kisii in 1957.

STATURE

Tall

LEAF TIP COLOR

Green

BEAN SIZE

Large

COFFEE LEAF RUST

Susceptible

COFFEE BERRY DISEASE (CBD)

Susceptible

NEMATODES

Susceptible

Source: World Coffee Research

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Composite variety containing parentage from: SL28, SL34, Rume Sudan, N39, K7, SL4 and the Timor Hybrid.

GENETIC DESCRIPTION

Introgressed (Other)

HISTORY

A variety resistant to coffee leaf rust and coffee berry disease created at the Coffee Research Station (CRS; now the Coffee Research Institute, CRI) in Ruiru, Kenya. Batian was released in Kenya in 2010.

Batian was created via single-tree selections from fifth filial (F5) generations from the male parent of some Ruiru 11 progenies. Batian is a composite variety, mixing three different pure line varieties. The varieties involved in the original crosses are: SL28, SL34, Rume Sudan, N39, K7, SL4 and the Timor Hybrid.

In Kenya, breeding work specifically for disease resistance in coffee started in 1971, after the 1960s outbreak of Coffee Berry Disease and coffee leaf rust. The main breeding goal since has been to develop cultivars that combine resistance to diseases with improved yields and cup quality. In 1985, the first disease resistant hybrid cultivar, Ruiru 11, was released. Further research and development by the Kenya Coffee Research Institute (CRI) has culminated in the release of Batian.

Batian is slowly becoming more widespread across Kenya due to its resistance to Coffee Berry Disease and Coffee Leaf Rust and its good cup quality (the variety has been backcrossed with SL28 and SL34). Trees come into production in the second year, presenting additional benefit to producers. As of 2016/17 harvest season, most small farmers only have a couple of plants coming into production, but with the CRI heavily promoting the seeds and cooperatives showing significant uptake, it is likely that Batian will soon be ubiquitous in Kenya. One challenge is the plant’s significant vegetative growth, which requires specific pruning methods and frequent handling  to keep it at the peak of production. Training will be, thus, a significant component of the plant’s success. 

STATURE

Tall

LEAF TIP COLOR

Green or Bronze

BEAN SIZE

Very Large

QUALITY POTENTIAL AT HIGH ALTITUDE

Very Good

YIELD POTENTIAL

High

COFFEE LEAF RUST

Tolerant

COFFEE BERRY DISEASE (CBD)

Resistant

NEMATODES

Susceptible

Source: World Coffee Research / Mercanta

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