Genetic transformation of coffee

Abstract

In the last 15 years, considerable advances were made in coffee genetic transformation. Different research groups in the world have been able to transform coffee with genes for insect resistance, decaffeinated coffee, herbicide resistance and control of fruit maturation. Although the majority of the research is still limited to laboratory and greenhouse studies, initial field tests with transformed coffee are beginning to appear in the literature. In this review we provide an update on the state of coffee genetic transformation, presenting technical aspects related to tissue culture systems, strategies for selection and transformation with particle bombardment, as well as the use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. We also discuss the potential applications of this technology, taking into consideration the benefits, the possible environmental risks, as well as market and consumer issues.