Exploration and evaluation of robusta coffee quality in Merangin Regency, Jambi Province

Abstract

Jambi known as one of the Robusta coffee producing areas in Indonesia. Many of promising Robusta coffee clones were found at coffee plantations in Jambi and have adapted to local agroecosystems. The study aimed to evaluate the quality of Robusta coffee in Merangin Regency, Jambi Province. The exploration and evaluation were carried out in July 2020 and December 2021 using the survey method. In this study, several Robusta coffees clones that had developed in the community were found, such as Prima, Tugusari Kuning, Bengko, Mendo, and Tugusari Hijau. These clones are preferred because they have good taste and high productivity as well as adaptive in the highlands. The result of cupping test for Prima, Bengko, Local, Tugusari Kuning, Mendo, and Tugusari Hijau clones showed a final score of >80 (Fine Robusta) with a final score ranging from 80.50-81.63, while Parabola and Curup clones were categorized as not specialty with the score of 70.50 and 78.375, respectively. On the other hand, the results of caffeine content analysis of the Curup, Mendo, Parabola, Tugusari Hijau, and Tugusari Kuning clones ranged from 1.33-1.74%. This initial evaluation is expected to provide an overview of the existence of promising Robusta coffee clones in Jambi. Hence, these coffee clones can be developed as local superior clones in the future.