Unlocking Arabica Coffee's Secret: A Genomic Journey to Its Past and Future by Assistant Prof Jarkko Salojärvi

The Discovery Science Seminar, hosted by IAS in collaboration with the Graduate Students’ Clubs of SBS and CCEB, featured a profound talk by Assistant Prof Jarkko Salojärvi (SBS NTU). The seminar titled "Unlocking Arabica Coffee’s Secret: A Genomic Journey to Its Past and Future" delved into the genomic evolution and the pressing challenges faced by Arabica coffee, highlighting its vulnerability to climate change and diseases such as coffee leaf rust.

Prof Salojärvi’s work integrates computational analysis with biological data, spanning genomics, population genomics, evolutionary biology, and systems biology. After earning his PhD under the mentorship of Academy Professor Samuel Kaski, he pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Helsinki, focusing on plant stress signaling and the human gut microbiome. In 2014, he established his research group at the Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology of Primary Producers, moving later to NTU in 2018. His research, prominently featured in this year's publication in Nature Genetics, utilises genomic tools to trace the historical and evolutionary trajectory of Arabica coffee.

Coffee is one of the most important agricultural commodities, supporting over 100 million people globally. Arabica, known for its superior cup quality, accounts for 60% of coffee products but is vulnerable to climate change and pathogens like coffee leaf rust.  To address these challenges, the Arabica Genome Sequencing Consortium, comprising researchers, breeders, and industry representatives from all major coffee-producing countries, began sequencing cultivated coffee species' genomes in 2017.

Engaging presentation on Arabica Coffee's genomic evolution.

Professor Salojärvi's seminar provided an in-depth overview of the genomic studies initiated in 2017, which have illuminated Arabica’s evolutionary history, identified genetic markers for disease resistance, and laid the groundwork for future breeding programs. Originating between 300,000 and 600,000 years ago in Ethiopia, Arabica’s genetic journey offers valuable insights into its disease susceptibility and resilience. He also discussed Arabica's origins in Ethiopia, its global spread, and emphasised how historical cultivation practices and genetic bottlenecks have shaped its current genetic diversity.

He further discussed the recent efforts of the Arabica Genome Sequencing Consortium, detailing the sequencing of the Arabica genome and explaining how identifying genomic regions linked to disease resistance could revolutionise breeding strategies. This could potentially lead to the development of cultivars capable of withstanding future environmental challenges. The discussion also covered the use of advanced genomic tools, such as CRISPR and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), to identify traits related to resilience and yield improvement, highlighting the intersection of modern technology and traditional breeding practices.

Interesting Q&A session with the audience.

The seminar was met with enthusiasm, sparking a lively Q&A session. Participants from diverse disciplines engaged in discussions about the potential of genomic technology to transform traditional coffee farming and the practical applications of genomic data in breeding programs.

Prof Jarkko Salojärvi's presentation was not only informative but also highlighted the broader implications for global agriculture amid the challenges of climate change and disease pressures. The seminar emphasised the critical role of innovative genomic research in protecting and enhancing vital agricultural commodities such as coffee.

Written by: Qi Yuxia | NTU School of Biological Sciences Graduate Students' Club

"Gained new insights on how to prevent disease on coffee plantation. " - Kevin Matthew Manurung (PhD Student, IGP-NEWRI)

"Prof Jarkko Salojärvi demonstrated a deep knowledge of his subject! " - Sean Inglin (Master Student, CCEB)

"Learnt about the history of coffee and how hybridisation and diversification of of species can provide disease resistance. " - Koh Yang Chat How Joewin (PhD Student, IGP-NEWRI)

                             Watch the video recording