Superior morphological characteristics of Kobura promising Robusta coffee clones from South Sumatera Province

Abstract

Released new superior clones of Robusta coffee have an essential role as sources of high qualities planting materials. Each clone should have unique and distinctive morphological marker(s) which are easily visual-characterized. Assessment of morphological markers allows plant breeders to discriminate and identify the most promising genotypes for variety development. This study aimed to characterize morphological markers and reveal the superiority of 3 promising clones of Robusta coffee, i.e., Kobura 1, Kobura 2, and Kobura 3. The result of morphological characterization showed that the 3 promising clones have distinctive morphological characters. Shoot tip color of Kobura 1 and Kobura 2 clones is light green, whereas Kobura 3 is brownish-green. Kobura 1 clone has the largest flower size, whereas Kobura 2 and Kobura 3 clones have smaller flower sizes, respectively. Cherries disc of Kobura 1 is flat and large, differing from Kobura 2 and Kobura 3, which have small and slightly protruded cherries discs. Cherries of Kobura 1, Kobura 2, and Kobura 3 clones have roundish, oblong, and obovate shapes, respectively. The superiority of those 3 clones is cupping score, categorized as very good specialty to excellent specialty.