Coffee lovers around the world may be surprised to learn that the origins of their beloved beverage date back over 600,000 years. A new study, published in Nature Genetics, has uncovered the fascinating genetic history behind Coffea arabica, revealing its ancient lineage and shedding light on its evolutionary journey. The study, conducted by a team including Patrick Descombes of Nestle, has provided insights into the complex origins of one of the world’s most popular drinks.
Coffea arabica, the primary source of approximately 60% of coffee products globally, has been found to be an allotetraploid hybrid of Coffea eugenioides and Coffea canephora. This genetic revelation indicates that coffee has a rich and ancient history that predates human involvement. The study delves into the genome structures of C. arabica, its diploid progenitors, and the evolutionary events that have shaped the genetic landscape of these plants.
The researchers’ analyses have revealed the occurrence of a significant polyploidy event around 350,000-610,000 years ago, marking a critical stage in the evolutionary history of C. arabica. Furthermore, the study has highlighted multiple pre-domestication bottlenecks that have resulted in a narrow genetic variation within the cultivated accessions of C. arabica. The genetic data has unveiled a split between wild coffee accessions and cultivar progenitors approximately 30.5 thousand years ago, followed by a period of migration between the two populations.
Intriguingly, the study has also provided insights into the breeding histories of modern varieties of C. arabica, including lines historically introgressed with C. canephora. This information offers valuable knowledge about genetic loci that may contribute to pathogen resistance, laying the groundwork for future genomics-based breeding of coffee plants.
Patrick Descombes, one of the researchers involved in the study, likens the genetic exploration of coffee to comparing multiple translations of a book to a reference book. His analogy captures the essence of the study’s efforts to unravel the genetic similarities and differences between the diploid parents and descendant subgenomes of C. arabica.
This groundbreaking research not only deepens our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of coffee but also adds a new layer of appreciation for the ancient origins of this beloved beverage. As coffee enthusiasts savor their next cup, they can now reflect on the rich genetic tapestry that has contributed to the evolution of this iconic drink and anticipate the potential for future genomics-based advancements in coffee breeding and cultivation.
