June 12, 2025
P86, P88, and P90 are three progeny lines developed by Cenicafé, Colombia's national coffee research institute, as part of a long-term breeding effort to improve coffee’s resistance to diseases, particularly coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix), while maintaining high yield and acceptable cup quality. These varieties are all classified as Catimor-type, which means they are the result of crosses between Caturra (a dwarf Arabica variety) and the Timor Hybrid — a natural cross between Arabica and Robusta. This gives them a genetic base that combines the desirable qualities of Arabica with the disease resistance of Robusta.
All three progenies share several common traits. They exhibit strong resistance to coffee leaf rust, thanks to the Timor Hybrid component in their lineage. Their tree structure is typically dwarf or compact, inherited from Caturra, which allows for high-density planting and easier farm management. Each variety shows high yield potential under suitable conditions, and while their cup quality is generally considered moderate and acceptable, it may not meet the standards of high-end specialty coffee. Because of this, they are not widely grown as standalone commercial varieties, but are instead used primarily as breeding material.
In terms of specific roles and selection goals, P86 was one of the earlier progeny lines trialed in Colombia during the 1980s, focusing on high yield and early vigor. P88, selected slightly later, was bred for a balance between rust resistance and overall field performance. Meanwhile, P90 was developed with an emphasis on broader environmental adaptability, contributing to its selection in a range of growing conditions. All three played key roles in the development of Castillo, Colombia’s most widely cultivated rust-resistant variety, and P86 in particular also contributed to the creation of Cenicafé 1, a newer variety that aims to combine disease resistance with improved cup quality.
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