Genetic analysis revealed that several seeds from a batch sold as Sidra were not, in fact, Sidra: their genetic profile was closer to that of Batian, a Kenyan variety. The finding comes from a study by researchers at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), who analysed four morphotypes of plants grown from seeds marketed as Sidra and Gesha on a farm in southern Ecuador. Only two of the four morphotypes matched the variety declared at the time of purchase.
In specialty coffee, a variety’s identity is linked to genetic traits that can influence its growth, productivity and cup quality. Verifying that identity, however, can be costly or difficult for producers to access. In the case studied, the seeds had been purchased without genetic or phytosanitary certification. The plants grew for approximately three years before differences observed in the field led the researchers to verify their identity through genetic analysis and morphological characterisation.
To identify the varieties planted on the farm, a genetic analysis was commissioned from a specialist in coffee genetics. This analysis used molecular markers, small regions of DNA that allow different organisms to be compared genetically. In addition, the research team recorded visible, easily recognisable morphological traits, such as plant architecture and the shape of the leaves, branches and fruits. The analysis identified four morphotypes, two of which matched the expected commercial identity of Sidra. However, one morphotype within the Sidra batch showed a genetic profile consistent with Batian, a variety of Kenyan origin that does not belong to the same genetic group as the Ethiopian landraces to which Sidra is related.
The second case concerned the plants purchased as Gesha. Genetic analysis showed that they belonged to an Ethiopian landrace; although they fell within the same genetic group, they were not identical to the CATIE reference accession in Costa Rica known as Geisha T.02722.
Another notable finding concerns the extent to which physical traits could help to distinguish between varieties. Internode length – the length of the branch segments between two growth points – was one of the physical traits that contributed most to telling them apart. Taken together, the physical characteristics assessed allowed a high proportion of plants to be correctly assigned to their variety on the farm studied.
A mistake that can take years to detect
Coffee plants can take three to four years to reach significant levels of production. During that period, producers invest in purchasing seed, establishing plants and managing the crop, in the expectation of a harvest with specific characteristics, destined for a particular market.
If the planting material does not correspond to the expected variety, the discrepancy may only come to light after years of work and investment. In this case, the plants had been grown for around three years before the differences observed prompted verification of their identity.
‘The study does not allow us to determine how common this type of discrepancy is in Ecuador, as it was carried out on a single farm with a limited number of plants. Nevertheless, this case highlights the need for identification tools and certification systems that are accessible to producers.’
The next step will be to extend the analysis to a larger number of plants and farms in order to establish more robust genetic and morphological references. With more samples and material of confirmed identity, it will be possible to determine more precisely the traits that distinguish varieties and to develop mechanisms for verifying planting material before it reaches the field.
Frontiers in Plant Science
Case study
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What you plant may not be what you bought: morphological and genetic discordance in specialty Coffea arabica L. cultivars from Ecuador
8-Aug-2026