Selection of elite coffee progenies derived from Indian Selections with pyramided resistance genes for rust and coffee berry disease

Coffee leaf rust (CLR) is the most important disease affecting Coffea arabica worldwide. The emergence of new virulent races has increased the demand for cultivars carrying pyramided resistance genes. This study aimed to identify elite coffee progenies derived from Indian Selections combining resistance to CLR and coffee berry disease (CBD) with superior agronomic performance. Twenty-four C. arabica progenies and four checks were evaluated for 11 morphoagronomic traits and five molecular markers associated with resistance loci. Genetic parameters were estimated using mixed models, and progenies were ranked according to the Mulamba and Mock selection index. Significant genetic variability was detected for all evaluated traits. Marker analyses revealed substantial variation in the frequencies of resistance among progenies, one progeny showed gene pyramiding for CLR and CBD resistance. Selection of the five best-ranked progenies resulted in positive gains for all traits but plant height. The progeny 9-II-2PB stood out by combining high agronomic performance with complete fixation of the SH3 resistance gene. The progenies evaluated in this study represent valuable breeding material for developing new coffee cultivars with durable resistance and superior agronomic performance.