2 new coffee varieties

MANILA, Philippines - The Cavite State University (CvSU), through the National Coffee Research Development and Extension Center (NCRDEC), initiated the registration of two new coffee varieties with the National Seed Industry Council of the Bureau of Plant Industry.

These two approved varieties are: coffee Liberica (coffea liberica L.) commonly called “Cavite Barako or kapeng makapal”, and coffee Robusta (coffea canephora L.) known as “kapeng manipis.” 

NCRDEC Director Alejandro de Mojica and engineer Rene Marasigan assisted CvSU with the registration.

The Liberica variety was named “CvSU Barako” (NSIC 2007 CF – L01), while the Robusta variety was registered as “CvSU Robust” (NSIC 2007 CF – R07).

CvSU Barako is characterized by a very strong pharmacological taste and flavor, and is easily recognized through berries, flowers, and leaves that are larger than those of other varieties. 

On the other hand, CvSU Robusta is a high yielding variety characterized by large, umbrella-shaped growth when pruned. It has thin leaves, and yields heavy clusters of berries. This variety is more resistant to pests and diseases.

CvSU coffee varieties planting materials are being grown at the NCRDEC coffee nurseries. – Teddy Tepora & Melinda Eugenio