An interdisciplinary approach for evaluating beverage quality in Coffea canephora

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the quality of Conilon coffee (Coffea canephora) based on agronomic, physicochemical, sensory profiles, and molecular markers. The dataset comprises 107 genotypes from the Incaper breeding program, evaluated in Marilândia, ES, Brazil. A total of 30 traits and 14 SSR markers were examined, revealing significant genetic variability. Most genotypes exhibited a medium June harvest cycle, uniform ripening, medium-sized beans, high processing yield, and a high percentage of flat and peaberry beans. Physicochemical variables, total titratable acidity, and potassium leaching contributed significantly to the observed variability. Chlorogenic acids (4.82%) and caffeine (2.58%) were the most abundant bioactive compounds. In sensory evaluations, 34 genotypes received scores exceeding 80. 13 markers were recommended for future association mapping studies to identify QTLs influencing the traits evaluated. Results identified genotypes with potential to maximize heterosis and genetic diversity in advancing generations. Among the evaluated genotypes, 34 were identified as promising due to their high sensory scores (≥ 80 points) and favorable agronomic, physicochemical, sensory, and genetic traits. The progeny HS17 stood out as the most divergent in agronomic and genetic traits compared to the other genotypes.