Cultivation of Coffee Trees

Cultivation of Coffee Trees
The essential requirements for cultivation of coffee plants are water, illumination and ventilation.

The type of soil (edaphic factors) is less important; coffee trees grow as well in argillaceous-siliceous soil of granitic origin as in soil of volcanic origin.

However, the soil must be rich, with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0; also, the soil must be deep because root development is very extensive.

Coffea arabica is cultivated on plantations at altitudes of 3250 – 6500 feet (1000 – 2000 meters) where tropical climates are temperate.

Excessive heat and humidity are adverse conditions. Coffea canophera grows well in a tropical climate and needs atmospheric humidity near saturation.

Low temperatures around 32 degree F or temperatures above 86 degree F adversely affect coffee trees.

Even though coffee scrubs grow wild in shaded area, the coffee tress in highly productive plantations are cultivated in rows separated by banana tree and are well exposed to sunlight.

They are very sensitive to wind which explains the damage that cyclones can cause to coffee plantations.

Cultivation requires constant care and replacement of old trees with young plants obtained by germination of seeds or by cuttings.

Also, they must be protected from numerous parasites of which the most dangerous is rust caused by two fungi:
Hemileia vastatrix causes orange rust
Hemileia coffeicola results in flour like rust

A coffee tree attacked by rust loses its leaves. Other parasites (fungi, nematodes- thread worms, borers, scolytid-bark beetle, flies, pyralis-meal moth, crickets, caterpillars, bugs, etc) can also cause great damage.

Thus, it is necessary to ensure constant chemical or biological protection. For the past few years, this protection has been ensured by selecting coffee trees that are resistant to parasites without affecting the quality of the aroma of the finished product.

There is great hope that progress in genetic manipulation will result in long term improvement, especially since the chromosomal system of the coffee trees is now known.
Cultivation of Coffee Trees

Blueberries: Expensive Crop to Establish

Blueberries: Expensive Crop to Establish
Blueberries are harvested from both wild plants and cultivated varieties. In the United States, blueberry cultivation is mainly in New Jersey, Michigan and North Carolina.

Blueberry bushes require an acid soil and yield fruit the fist year after planting or the first year after the plants has established growth. There are many varieties of both high and low bush blueberries. The fruit of blueberry ripens 50-65 days after the blossom occur at the mill where small twigs and leaves are separated by air.

They are then graded for size, washed in a flotation-type washer, and passed over an inspection belt where green or partially ripe specimens are picked out by hand. Blueberries handled as the fresh product are usually hand-poured into small baskets holding 473ml or 946 ml. the baskets are then overwrapped with cellophane and the product is held at refrigerator temperatures above freezing. Fresh blueberries should be cooled to 32F – 35F and held at this temperature until sold to the consumer. Shelf life 4 – 8 weeks.

Blueberries are good fit for the diversified small farm. Interest in this nutritious and versatile berry is on the increase, as consumers discover its flavor and uses in fresh and home baking recipes. Botanically, blueberries are diverse, and the commercial types represent several different species. They are members of the Vacciniaceae, a sub-family of the Ericaceae family that includes many acid soil adapted plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Because of unique soil requirements, blueberries are naturally adapted to well-drained.
Blueberries: Expensive Crop to Establish