Heterosexual Research Articles

Engaging in counterstereotypical behaviours shifts the perceived masculinity or femininity of men and women, regardless of sexual orientation

ABSTRACT Various studies have examined the stereotypes attributed to gay men or lesbian women. However, there are less studies which explore the behaviours considered stereotypical, or counterstereotypical, of gay men and lesbian women, particularly when these individuals might not conform with stereotypes. In this project, we tested the behaviours attributed to straight men, gay men, straight women, and lesbian women across two small studies emphasising a societal point of view in Portugal. Study 1 supports the implicit inversion theory suggesting gay men were correlated with straight women, and lesbian women were correlated with straight men. Study 2 extended the findings by manipulating the perceived stereotypicality or counterstereotypicality of individuals by attaching masculine or feminine occupations to each group from Study 1. As predicted, individuals with counterstereotypical occupations were perceived as less stereotypical of their original group while gay men and lesbian women with stereotypical occupations were perceived as more stereotypical of the opposite gender and sexual orientation. Importantly, this project highlights how members of certain groups are perceived as more, or less, typical of their group based on the expectations about stereotypical occupations for that group.

LGBTQ+ Adult Sexual Violence Critical Scoping Review: Insights into Victimization and Perpetration.

The existing research on sexual violence has primarily concentrated on instances where cisgender, heterosexual men have perpetrated sexual violence against cisgender, heterosexual women, with knowledge about LGBTQ+ people underdeveloped. However, there is a growing body of literature examining the experiences of LGBTQ+ people. No previous review has critically synthesized both quantitative and qualitative scholarly studies on adult LGBTQ+ sexual violence globally. In this scoping review, we provide a comprehensive overview of current research by examining the prevalence of victimization and perpetration of adult LGBTQ+ sexual violence. To do this, an extensive search of the Discovery database was conducted, and studies published between 1990 and September 2021 were included. The final sample comprised 108 papers focused on LGBTQ+ participants' experiences of adult sexual violence. Across studies, LGBTQ+ people were found to experience high rates of sexual violence, most commonly perpetrated by men, with rates the highest among transgender and gender-diverse people and bisexual women. However, the body of research is limited as it largely consists of quantitative studies from the United States with differing methodological approaches for measuring sexual violence and gender and sexuality, making it difficult to draw comparisons across studies. We propose recommendations to enhance future research on LGBTQ+ sexual violence.

Past and future of cytoplasmic male sterility and heterosis breeding in crop plants.

Plant breeding needs to embrace genetic innovations to ensure stability in crop yields under fluctuating climatic conditions. Development of commercial hybrid varieties has proven to be a sustainable and economical alternative to deliver superior yield, quality and resistance with uniformity in a number of food crops. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), a maternally inherited inability to produce functional pollen, facilitates a three-line system for efficient hybrid seed production strategies in crops. The CMS system has illustrated its potential as a robust pollination control mechanism to support the billion-dollar seed industry. In plants, CMS arises due to a genomic conflict between mitochondrial open reading frames (orfs) and nuclear-encoding restoration-of-fertility (Rf) genes, leading to floral abnormalities and pollen sterility. Research on pollen sterility and fertility restoration provides deeper insights into cytoplasmic-nuclear interplay in plants and elucidates key molecular targets for hybrid breeding in crops. More recently, programmable gene editing (e.g., TALEN, CRISPR-Cas) has emerged as a promising tool to functionally validate CMS and Rf genes and obviate the need for pollen donors or Rf-genes for hybrid breeding. Modern genomic prediction models have allowed establishment of high-performing heterotic groups and patterns for sustaining long-term gain in hybrid breeding. This article reviews latest discoveries elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind CMS and fertility restoration in plants. We then present our perspective on how evolving genetic technologies are contributing to advance fundamental knowledge of the CMS-Rf genetic system for producing crop hybrids with high heterosis.

Skin cancer treatment environment and survivorship resources among sexual and gender minority patients: results of the OUT National Cancer Survey.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) cancer survivors face unmet care needs in accessing cancer health information and social support despite high satisfaction with treatment. SGM patients often delay care due to concerns of discrimination in healthcare settings, though the care experiences of SGM skin cancer survivors are less known. SGM individuals, particularly sexual minority men, report higher skin cancer prevalence and related risk behaviors than heterosexual men. This study aims to describe SGM skin cancer survivors' perceptions of the care environment and availability of SGM-specific survivorship resources. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the OUT: National Cancer Survey conducted from September 2020 to March 2021. Among 2,528 survey respondents, 96 self-reported a history of skin cancer, with 33% having keratinocyte carcinomas (KC) only and 67% having melanoma. While 69% reported treatment in welcoming environments, 91% noted the absence of welcoming cues. Only 23% used social support specific to cancer survivorship, despite 62% valuing access to LGBTQI+-inclusive survivorship support. KC survivors reported less access to SGM-specific cancer information compared to melanoma survivors. These findings highlight gaps in dermatologic care for SGM skin cancer survivors. Dermatologists can address these needs by developing targeted health education resources, integrating identity-affirming information into care plans, and establishing inclusive environments through visible LGBTQI + cues and training staff in identity-affirming care. While limited by a small sample size, underrepresentation of gender and racial-ethnic minorities, and reliance on unvalidated survey tools, this study highlights the significant lack of data on SGM skin cancer survivors' experiences. We provide valuable insights into the unmet care needs of SGM skin cancer survivors. Future research should build on this foundational evidence to further examine differences in care experiences across skin cancer types and treatment settings, aiming to optimize support for SGM patients.

Population genomics reveals strong impacts of genetic drift without purging and guides conservation of bull and giant kelp.

Kelp forests are declining in many parts of the northeast Pacific.1,2,3,4 In small populations, genetic drift can reduce adaptive variation and increase fixation of recessive deleterious alleles,5,6,7 but natural selection may purge harmful variants.8,9,10 To understand evolutionary dynamics and inform restoration strategies, we investigated genetic structure and the outcomes of genetic drift and purging by sequencing the genomes of 429 bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) and 211 giant kelp (Macrocystis sp.) from the coastlines of British Columbia and Washington. We identified 6 to 7 geographically and genetically distinct clusters in each species. Low effective population size was associated with low genetic diversity and high inbreeding coefficients (including increased selfing rates), with extreme variation in these genetic health indices among bull kelp populations but more moderate variation in giant kelp. We found no evidence that natural selection is purging putative recessive deleterious alleles in either species. Instead, genetic drift has fixed many such alleles in small populations of bull kelp, leading us to predict (1) reduced within-population inbreeding depression in small populations, which may be associated with an observed shift toward increased selfing rate, and (2) hybrid vigor in crosses between small populations. Our genomic findings imply several strategies for optimal sourcing and crossing of populations for restoration and aquaculture, but these require experimental validation. Overall, our work reveals strong genetic structure and suggests that conservation strategies should consider the multiple health risks faced by small populations whose evolutionary dynamics are dominated by genetic drift.

Examining Differences in Sexual Violence Perpetration Likelihood by Perceived Intoxication Among Sexual and Gender Minority College Students

ABSTRACT Experiences of sexual violence (SV) victimization are pervasive among sexual and gender minority college students, yet few studies have documented rates of SV perpetration within this community. While numerous risk factors, including acute alcohol intoxication, have been posited to increase risk for SV perpetration among cisgender heterosexual men, their relevancy to SGM SV perpetration remains unexamined. Therefore, using Minority Stress Theory as a guiding theoretical framework, the current study examined differences in heterosexist discrimination and impelling risk factors for sexual violence (SV) perpetration likelihood intentions based on perceived intoxication among sexual and gender minority (SGM) college students. SGM college students (N = 234) completed measures assessing their experiences of heterosexist discrimination, attitudes and beliefs supportive of sexism and SV, and perceived likelihood to perpetrate SV. When intoxicated and sober, main effects for impelling risk factors on sexual violence perpetration likelihood intentions were detected, and effect of heterosexist discrimination on SV perpetration likelihood was only observed at high levels of impellance. Results underscore the importance of alcohol use, experiences of heterosexist discrimination, and impelling risk factors as salient markers of risk for SV perpetration among SGM college students.

Adaptation of Diverse Maize Germplasm to Spring Season Conditions in Northeast China

Northeast China (NEC) is a major spring maize (Zea mays L.) growing belt, and the outputs substantially influence national grain production. However, the maize grain yield per unit area has little changes in recent years, partially due to the lack of elite germplasm resources and innovation. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the performance of diverse populations in NEC to propose appropriate strategies for the utilization of elite germplasm to broaden the genetic base of Chinese germplasm. Fifteen diverse maize populations from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the U.S. were crossed to two local tester lines, representing Chinese heterotic groups Reid and Lancaster, for evaluating the combining ability and heterosis in three locations (Gongzhuling, Jilin Province, and Harbin and Suihua, Heilongjiang Province) in NEC over two years. The U.S. (BS13(S)C7 and BS31) and Chinese (Ji Syn A) populations exhibited more favorable alleles for high yield potential in all locations tested. Furthermore, the PH6WC × BS31 and PH6WC × Ji Syn A crosses had higher grain yields, and an appropriate number of days to silking, ear height, and resistance to lodging at Gongzhuling and Harbin in NEC. The best strategies for utilizing these diverse germplasms may be to develop new inbred lines from the existing elite populations or improve the grain yield and resistance to lodging of the elite line PH4CV for broadening the genetic base of the Chinese group Lancaster in NEC.

Interspecific Hybridization between Gossypium hirsutum (American Cotton) and Gossypium barbadense (Egyptian Cotton) for Quality Improvement

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a globally important cash crop, valued for its fiber and economic contributions to the textile industry. This study investigated the variability, heritability, and genetic advance of yield-related traits in interspecific hybrids of American (G. hirsutum) and Egyptian (G. barbadense) cotton. Using a randomized complete block design, 28 hybrids were evaluated for traits such as seed cotton yield, plant height, bolls per plant, and boll weight. Significant genetic variability was observed among hybrids, with high heritability estimates for seed cotton yield (96.84%), plant height (93.51%), and bolls per plant (76.44%), coupled with moderate genetic advance, suggesting additive gene action. Regression analysis revealed that the number of bolls emasculated and pollinated significantly influenced total seed production, with coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.5924 and 0.5102, respectively. The hybrid JA-08/A × JA-12/203 demonstrated superior crossability (100%) and seed production, making it a promising candidate for breeding programs. These findings emphasize the potential for exploiting genetic variability and hybrid vigor to develop high-yielding and high-quality cotton varieties.

Impact of structural variations and genome partitioning on bread wheat hybrid performance.

The agronomical interest of hybrid wheat has long been a matter of debate. Compared to maize where hybrids have been successfully grown for decades, the mixed results obtained in wheat have been attributed at least partially to the lack of heterotic groups. The wheat genome is known to be strongly partitioned and characterized by numerous presence/absence variations and alien introgressions which have not been thoroughly considered in hybrid breeding. The objective was to investigate the relationships between hybrid performance and genomic diversity. For this, we characterized a set of 124 hybrids as well as their 19 female and 16 male parents. Phenotyping for yield and yield components was conducted during two years in three locations. Parental lines were genotyped using a 410K SNP array as well as through sequence capture of roughly 200,000 loci. This led to the identification of 180 structural variations including presence-absence variations and alien introgressions. Twenty-six of them were associated to hybrid performance through either additivity or dominance effects. While no correlation was observed at the whole genome level, the genetic distance for 25 genomic regions resulting from the structural and functional partitioning of the chromosomes shown positive or negative correlation with agronomic traits including yield. Large introgressions, like the Aegilops ventricosa 2NS-2AS translocation, can correspond to entire chromosomal regions, such as the R1 region, with an impact on yield. Our results suggest hybrid breeding should consider both structural variations and chromosome partitioning rather than maximizing whole-genome genetic distance, and according to genomic regions to combine homozygosity and heterozygosity.

Body image distress and disordered eating among gay and straight men from Greece and Cyprus

ABSTRACT Sociocultural factors play a significant role in the development of body image distress and disordered eating behavior in diverse populations, including men. One group which seems to be at increased risk, is sexual minority men. However, these factors have rarely been studied outside of Western populations. The present study sought to explore these factors in Greek and Greek-Cypriot men. Greek and Greek-Cypriot men (N = 367; n = 162 gay; n = 205 straight) completed measures of sociocultural pressures, appearance comparisons, body dissatisfaction, body appreciation and disordered eating. Results indicated that gay men were more likely to have disordered eating habits than straight men. Additionally, gay men had significantly lower scores on measures of body-image related wellbeing (i.e. satisfaction and appreciation), and higher on measures of societal pressures and appearance-related comparisons, appearance-related anxiety and disordered eating. Greek and Greek-Cypriot gay men had lower levels of muscularity internalization than straight men. Our findings extend research on body image distress and disordered eating in gay and straight men to Greek and Greek-Cypriot populations.

Sexist Attitudes, Relationship Conflict and Satisfaction in Heterosexual Couples, and Men’s and Women’s Wellbeing

Sexist Attitudes, Relationship Conflict and Satisfaction in Heterosexual Couples, and Men’s and Women’s Wellbeing

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Cannabis by Sexual Identity, Race, Ethnicity, and Gender: A Nationwide Analysis Using the 2016 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Sexual minority populations experience higher rates of substance use and related problems, but little is known about their specific involvement in driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol (DUIA) and cannabis (DUIC) incidents. Using data from the 2016 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we used logistic regression models to estimate the interactive effects of sexual identity, race/ethnicity, and gender on past-year DUIA among adults who used alcohol and DUIC among adults who used cannabis, accounting for covariates. Using model estimates and linear combinations, we calculated the predicted probabilities of each outcome and compared sexual identity differences within and across race/ethnicity and gender. With few exceptions, the predicted probabilities of DUIA and DUIC were significantly higher among sexual minority women than heterosexual women of similar race/ethnicity. The results were more variable among men with the probabilities of DUIA and DUIC being significantly higher for some groups of sexual minority men and some groups having probabilities equal to or lower than similar heterosexual men. Some of the largest sexual minority gaps in DUIA and DUIC were observed among Hispanic and Other lesbian women and Black gay men. Sexual minority individuals are more likely to report DUI than their heterosexual counterparts; however, the risk of DUI among sexual minority populations varies by racial/ethnic and gender subgroup. Our findings indicate the importance of applying an intersectional framework when addressing substance-use-related disparities and when designing effective DUI prevention interventions for sexual minority populations.

Phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of Tunisian maize landraces.

Based on history, maize was first introduced into Tunisia and northern Africa, at large, from the south of Spain. Several subsequent introductions were made from diverse origins, generating new landraces by recombination and selection for adaptation to arid environments. This study aimed to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among Tunisian maize landraces with possible sources of introduction from neighboring countries. Ten Tunisian landraces were genotyped with 23656SNPs along with a panel of diversity of 171 landraces originating from Algeria, Europe, and America. The Tunisian maize landraces were very diverse and distinct from those from neighboring countries, and they were classified into three main clusters that could be the basis for investigating heterotic groups. The phylogenetic relationships among Tunisian and other landraces from neighboring countries supported the hypothesis of a first introduction from the south of Spain and subsequent introductions from other countries. These germplasm groups could be the basis for studying heterotic patterns and sample maize germplasm from Tunisia and North Africa in general. The Tunisian maize germplasm could be a basis for identifying sources of favorable alleles to improve tolerance to abiotic stresses.

Pre–Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) α4β7hi CD4+ T Cells and HIV Risk Among Heterosexual Individuals in Africa

Abstract Background CD4+ T cells expressing α4β7 are optimal targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, with higher pre-HIV α4β7hi expression linked to increased HIV acquisition and progression in South African women. However, similar associations were not observed in men who have sex with men or people who inject drugs in the Americas, indicating need for further research. Methods This retrospective case-control study enrolled heterosexual men and women from South Africa (HIV Vaccine Trials Network [HVTN] 503) and East Africa (Partners Preexposure Prophylaxis/Couples’ Observational Study [PP/COS]), quantifying α4β7 expression on CD4+ T cells as a predictor of subsequent HIV risk using flow cytometry analyses. Results Associations between α4β7hi expression and HIV acquisition varied across cohorts. In HVTN 503, women had a higher risk estimate compared to men, but this was not significant. In PP/COS, α4β7hi expression was generally protective, particularly in Ugandans. Additionally, α4β7hi expression inversely correlated with peak viral load in PP/COS but not in HVTN 503; in the latter cohort, α4β7hi expression was inversely correlated with the CD4/CD8 ratio and predicted rapid CD4+ T-cell decline, similar to what was observed previously in South Africa. Conclusions These findings suggest that α4β7hi expression on CD4+ T cells may not predict HIV acquisition and progression in all contexts, which may be due to cohort effects, modes of transmission, viral clade, or other factors.

Perceived Biological Bases of Sexual Orientation and Sexual Prejudice: The Moderating Role of Gender and Religious Beliefs

AbstractPrior correlational studies have shown that belief in the biological theory of sexual orientation (BTSO) is associated with more positive attitudes toward homosexuality. However, individuals often interpret scientific evidence in ways that align with their pre-existing beliefs and motivations. This research experimentally investigated whether gender and religiosity moderate heterosexual individuals’ responses to scientific evidence either supporting or refuting BTSO. In two studies, heterosexual men (Study 1, N = 118) and both men and women (Study 2, N = 280) reported their religiosity and were exposed to evidence suggesting either biological differences or similarities between heterosexual and gay individuals. Results showed that, in the biological differences condition, heterosexual women and less religious men were more likely to perceive homosexuality as a natural biological variation and expressed more positive attitudes toward it. In contrast, more religious men interpreted the same evidence as indicating a biological anomaly in gay individuals and displayed more negative attitudes toward homosexuality.

Reworking Identity, Reworking Heteronormativity: The Case of Tongqi in China

Scholars have studied the mundane reproduction of heteronormativity in everyday life. What happens when heteronormativity is disrupted? We shed light on this question using data from in-depth interviews with 34 heterosexual women ( tongqi) in China who are unwittingly married to men who have sex with men (MSM). Our analysis reveals four ways in which tongqi draw upon heteronormativity to rework their identities in response to the disclosure of their husbands’ sexuality: oppositional identity work to restore an unblemished identity, relational identity work to distance oneself from other tongqi, maintenance identity work to sustain the marriage, and subversive identity work to challenge heteronormativity. The ways in which tongqi negotiates gender and sexual hierarchies in relational power dynamics show the inherent link between gender and sexuality in the maintenance of gender order. More broadly, we highlight how identity provides a crucial link between individuals’ management of the contradictions in the dominant sexual binary and the reproduction of heteronormativity.

Sexual Orientation-Motivated Violent Victimizations in Brazil: Using Representative Data From the 2019 National Health Survey.

Using representative data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS-2019), we aim to investigate whether violent physical and sexual victimization differs by sexual orientation in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study using data from a nationwide household-based survey. The PNS sample was selected with a three-stage cluster sampling. Prevalence of individuals aged 18 to 64 years who had suffered physical violence in the previous 12 months and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated according to sex and sexual orientation. Multivariate logistic regression models were used with physical violence in the previous 12 months as the outcome and self-declared sexual orientation, sociodemographic characteristics, and age of sexual initiation as independent variables. Odds-ratios (OR) were estimated to test associations with the independent variables. The same statistical procedures were used for analyzing lifetime sexual violence. Among the 70,361 participants, 2.2% of men and 2.0% of women self-declared to be homosexual/bisexual. Among homosexual/bisexual men and women, 13% and 16%, respectively, have suffered physical violence in the previous 12 months. Regarding lifetime sexual violence, prevalence was 6.4% among homosexual/bisexual men, with OR = 9.1 (95% CI [5.7, 14.4]) in comparison to heterosexual men. Among homosexual/bisexual women, prevalence reached 11.5%, with OR = 2.4 (95% CI [1.7, 3.4]) in comparison to heterosexual women. After controlling for sexual orientation, the greatest odds of suffering physical violence in the previous 12 months were found among young people, non-white, starting sexual activity <15 years old, and poor education. The risk of women suffering lifetime sexual violence was seven times greater than that of men (OR = 7.30; 95% CI [6.05, 8.80]). The findings indicate a complex scenario in which sex, sexual orientation, skin color, and poor education interact in violent victimization and highlights the insufficiency of public policies in implementing effective actions focused on overcoming the homophobic prejudice that persists in Brazilian society.

Exploring Everyday Slutshaming: The Role of Family and the Male Gaze in Reproducing Women’s Sexual Shame

AbstractThis article explores everyday forms of slutshaming in the lives of women and girls living primarily in Quebec (Canada) and France. Through a series of semi-directed interviews with 18 participants and a review of public testimonials (n = 12) and academic literature (n = 67) about slutshaming, this analysis shows how sexual shame is first instilled within the family, particularly by mothers seeking to protect daughters against potential future sexual violence. The male gaze is also a key element in the daily reproduction of slutshaming, specifically as it internalizes feelings of body shame and “hypervisibility” in public spaces. This analysis also highlights the fact that although they may appear ordinary or even inoffensive, even the most subtle and internalized forms of slutshaming have many consequences in the lives of women and girls: reduced autonomy, low self-esteem, humiliation, discomfort, and hypervigilance. Ultimately, women’s sexual shame and efforts deployed to reproduce, teach, or instill it at the micro level reinforce a gendered social order in which cisgender, heterosexual men enjoy greater sexual liberty.

Estimating the undetected burden and the likelihood of strain persistence of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to all antibiotics recommended for treatment and reports of reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone, the last-line treatment, are increasing. Since many asymptomatic infections remain undiagnosed and most diagnosed infections do not undergo antibiotic susceptibility testing, surveillance systems may underestimate resistant infections. In this modeling study, we simulated the spread of a new strain of ceftriaxone non-susceptible N. gonorrhoeae in a population comprising men who have sex with men as well as heterosexual men and women. We compared scenarios with varying strain characteristics and surveillance capacity. For each scenario, we estimated (i) the number of undetected infections of the novel strain and (ii) the likelihood of strain persistence in the absence of newly reported cases. Upon detection of one non-susceptible isolate, the undetected burden was an estimated 5.4 infections with substantial uncertainty (0-18 infections, 95% uncertainty interval). Without additional reports of non-susceptible infections over the subsequent 180 days, the estimate declined to 2.5 infections (0-10 infections). The likelihood of ongoing transmission also declined from 66% (26-86%) at first detection to 2% (0-10%) after 180 days. To extend the useful lifespan of last-line antibiotics, our model estimated the infection landscapes that could underlie data from surveillance systems.

Arabica Coffee: Genetic Diversity, Conservation Challenges, and Breeding Approaches

Arabica coffee, native to Ethiopia, is esteemed for its exceptional quality and dominates the global specialty coffee market. As the primary cultivated coffee species, it accounts for approximately 60–65% of global coffee production. The genetic diversity of Arabica coffee, shaped through natural evolution and human domestication, is a cornerstone of its adaptability and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Domestication syndrome traits such as reduced seed dispersal, compact growth, and increased uniformity have facilitated its cultivation, yet these traits have inadvertently narrowed its genetic base, making the crop more vulnerable to environmental and pathogenic threats. The genetic makeup of Arabica coffee is unique, with an allotetraploid genome that combines contributions from two diploid species, Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides. Despite its evolutionary significance, Arabica coffee exhibits relatively low genetic variation compared to other Coffea species. This limited diversity heightens its susceptibility to genetic erosion caused by deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable monoculture practices. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving Arabica’s genetic resources, employing both ex-situ and in-situ strategies. Ex-situ methods include seed banks, cryopreservation, and field gene banks, while in-situ conservation protects wild populations in their natural habitats. Modern biotechnological tools such as molecular markers, genetic mapping, and somatic embryogenesis enhance the precision and efficiency of germplasm conservation and utilization. Breeding programs aim to address the challenges posed by climate change, pests, and diseases by developing varieties with enhanced drought tolerance, disease resistance, and higher yields. Hybrid vigor (heterosis) has shown promise in boosting adaptability and productivity. While vegetative propagation ensures uniformity and retention of elite traits, it limits genetic recombination, which is vital for long-term adaptability. In contrast, seed-based propagation facilitates genetic improvement but may compromise trait consistency. Notable achievements in breeding include improved cultivars like Geisha, SL28, and F1 hybrids, which balance productivity with stress resilience. Preserving Arabica coffee’s genetic base and advancing breeding efforts remain essential to securing the crop’s future and maintaining its contribution to global agriculture and livelihoods.