Your morning coffee hails from a lineage that is surprisingly ancient, at around 600,000 years old. Researchers have traced the history of Coffea arabica, the species behind most of the world's coffee consumption, revealing its origins through natural crossbreeding of two other species. This discovery not only satisfies historical curiosity but is crucial for protecting the plants against modern threats like pests and climate change. By examining the genomes of over 30 arabica plants, including a historic sample from the 1700s, scientists identified genetic traits that make certain varieties resistant to diseases like coffee leaf rust. As the global coffee market heavily relies on arabica, understanding its genetic makeup is key to ensuring the sustainability and health of future coffee crops.
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