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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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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