Coffee plants are small evergreen trees or shrubs often with multiple stems and smooth leaves.

Coffee may also be referred to as Arabian Coffee and originated from Africa.

Major Coffee producing countries are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, India and Uganda.

Major Coffee growing areas in India are Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Rubiales
• Family: Rubiaceae
• Genus: Coffea
• Species: arabica

• Coffee beans are the most economically important part of Coffee

Coffee is a tropical plant which is also grown in semi-tropical climates.

The Coffee tree requires heat, humidity and abundant rainfall.

Coffee requires an average temperature between 20°-27°C.

Bright sunshine and warm weather are necessary for harvesting.

Coffee needs abundant rainfall i.e. 100 to 200 cm annually.

The ideal soil for Coffee cultivation is one with a good sub-surface drainage, and one that is easily workable.

Well-drained volcanic soils like the terra-roxa of Brazil which contain much potash as well as organic material are the best.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Black Twig Borer, Cicadas, Coffee Borer Beetle, Coffee Leaf Miner and Red Mite.
  • Major Diseases: Bacterial Blight, Cercospora Leaf Spot, Coffee Berry Disease, Leaf Rust and Berry blotch.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Chlorosis
  • Necrosis
  • Bronzing
  • Mottling
  • Die-Back