Recommendation on Pre-sowing Arabica Coffee Seed Management in Ethiopia

Abstract

Pre-sowing seed management includes all operation involving seed collection, preparation and handling, and pre-germination seed treatment. With regard to this, research results show that seeds of red ripe cherries dried with intact parchment under shaded and ventilated condition showed enhanced germination. Coffee seeds with moisture content grater than 40% when stored in moisture vapor barrier containers, viz. glass jar and polythene bag had retained their viability and vigor for a longer period. However, sowing coffee seeds immediately after harvesting and processing was found to be the best option for higher germination rate and better seedling growth. Pre-germination is the primary cause of multiple and crooked tap roots and eventual tree death in the field. Sowing clean coffee seeds after soaking in cold water for 24 hours hastened germination and seedling growth.