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In a bid to bridge this gap and to harness the po- Within the vast and complex tapestry
tential of genetic traceability tools for the betterment
of the coffee sector, the stage has been set for a cap- of the coffee industry, the significance
tivating narrative of innovation. The protagonist in
this story is none other than World Coffee Research of genotyping cannot be overstated.
(WCR), a nonprofit research and development orga-
nization forged by the global coffee industry. Their
noble mission is to champion the growth, protection,
and enhancement of coffee supplies, all the while bol-
stering the livelihoods of coffee-producing families.
WCR, with a vision as bold as it is commendable,
has initiated a project aimed at delivering superior
plant varieties to coffee farmers across the globe. Their
ultimate quest is nothing short of ensuring the long-
term sustainability of the coffee sector, a cherished
and indispensable cornerstone of our daily lives.
Our recent tête-à-tête with Hanna Neuschwan-
der, the Strategy and Communications Director at
World Coffee Research, served as a window into the
intricate world of genetic traceability tools and the
noble cause to which WCR is committed. Hanna, in
her role, is the guiding light for a scientific journey
brimming with innovation, an expedition delving deep
(ATIC) of agricultural commodities, have joined forces rieties. Small disks (4 to 6 mm in diameter) of the
into the realms of genetics and agronomy, all direct-
to unlock the secrets hidden within the coffee plant. coffee leaves were sampled in 96-format tissue
ed toward the creation of climate-smart and prof-
WCR, the primary torchbearer in this endeavor, plates, dried and shipped to the lab in Sweden. The
it-driven technologies. These technologies, she tells
shoulders the responsibility of plant identification, leaves were crushed to a fine powder and the DNA
us, are tailored to meet the burgeoning global demand
nursery coordination, and steadfast assistance through- extraction buffer added using a liquid handling robot.
for coffee, a beloved elixir that fuels our mornings
out the intricate sampling process. AgriTech, a global DNA was extracted using DNA-binding magnetic
and punctuates our daily lives.
powerhouse in ATIC, brings a unique set of skills to beads. The fingerprint of the test plants is then com-
In the course of our conversation, Hanna unveiled
the table. Their role, no less significant, entails offer- pared to the SNP dataset of the expected variety.
the inner workings of these genetic traceability tools,
ing unwavering support and training for the meticulous When the fingerprints match, the variety can be
a pivotal force that underpins WCR’s tireless efforts.
task of sample handling and their subsequent journey confirmed.” With the help of AgriTech, WCR has
“Much of our progress has been driven by our own
to a specialized lab nestled in the serene landscapes of created a panel specifically for arabica and made it
use of the tools. Over the course of several years, we
Sweden. It’s here, amidst cutting-edge technology and accessible to the public, while a robusta panel is
have dedicated ourselves to conducting genetic testing
scientific prowess, that the magic truly unfolds. currently under development.
in nurseries, seedlots, and research farms across the
The linchpin in this fascinating exploration of After being delicately dried, these leaf disks began
globe. I think at this point we have collected over
coffee genetics is the deployment of single-nucleotide their voyage to the laboratory. There, state-of-the-art
30,000 samples solely in Latin America. Our collabo-
polymorphism (SNP) markers. These minuscule vari- equipment and precision were the order of the day.
ration extends beyond internal research teams to in-
ations in the DNA sequence of a coffee plant, often The leaves were meticulously crushed into a fine pow-
clude researchers at the USDA, who have reviewed our
dubbed the “genetic fingerprint,” serve as the Rosetta der, and a special DNA extraction buffer was intro-
processes, and methodology. Additionally, we have
Stone for deciphering the plant’s true identity. SNP duced into the mix, all under the watchful eye of a
partnered with AgriTech to ensure the accuracy and
markers, it turns out, have swiftly emerged as the liquid handling robot. DNA extraction was a thing of
efficacy of our services. This continuous refinement
vanguard of genotyping methods, offering a trifecta of beauty and precision, accomplished through the deft
and development process has spanned approximately
benefits that include unwavering accuracy, repeatabil- use of DNA-binding magnetic beads. It’s a testament
two years.” Hanna explains.
ity, and cost-effectiveness. to the marvels of modern science.
Collaboration between the WCR and AgriTech To dive deeper into the intricate process, we also But the true revelation lay in the fingerprints. The
sought insights from AgriTech’s Global Business De- plant’s DNA, once extracted, was meticulously ana-
velopment Manager, Petra van Roggen, who provided lyzed, comparing it to the SNP dataset of the expected
In a groundbreaking collaboration that could re-
a glimpse into the mechanics of this genetic sleuthing. variety. When these fingerprints resonated harmoni-
shape the landscape of agricultural genetics, World
“A small SNP panel of 41 SNPs was chosen to ously, a unique coffee variety was confirmed, each
Coffee Research (WCR) and AgriTech, a stalwart in the
identify a “genetic fingerprint” of the expected va- leaf’s genetic identity unveiled.
world of Assurance, Testing, Inspection, and Certification
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