Review of Arabica Coffee Nursery Management Research in Ethiopia

Abstract

Forest soil or a mixture of top soils (TS), compost and sand (S) in 3 : 1: 0 and 2 : 1 : 1 ratios or blends of organic manure and TS in 1 : 4, 2 : 4 and 3 : 4 ratios resulted vigorous seedling growth. Applying 750 mg P or a combination of 2.31 g lime and 250 mg P pot^-1 (2.5 kg sieved TS) ensured production of quality seedlings. Sowing coffee seeds at a depth of 1 cm with the grooved side placed down and embryo tip up had improved germination. Seedbeds covered with 3 - 5 cm thick mulch after seed sowing and watered at 2 days interval until hypocotyl emergence had higher germination percentage. After emergence, with the removal of mulch, nursery beds provided with 50% over head shade and irrigated twice a week until seedlings attained 2 to 4 pairs of leaves and then after at  a week interval produced vigorous seedlings. Sowing clean coffee seeds after soaking in cold water for 24 hours hastened germination and seedling growth. Soft wood single node cuttings with one pair of leaves and blends of TS, S, and manure in 2 : 2 : 1 ratio was recommended for vegetative propagation of hybrid coffee.

Keywords: Arabica coffee, coffee nursery, seed germination, seedling growth, vegetative propagation