Haitian coffee agroforestry systems harbor complex arabica variety mixtures and under-recognized genetic diversity: full text
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PLOS ONE
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Haitian coffee agroforestry systems harbor
complex arabica variety mixtures and underrecognized genetic diversity
Claude Patrick Millet ID1,2,3,4*, Clémentine Allinne3,4,5,6, Tram Vi1,7, Pierre Marraccini1,8,
Lauren Verleysen9,10, Marie Couderc1, Tom Ruttink ID10,11, Dapeng Zhang12, William
Solano Sanchéz13, Christine Tranchant-Dubreuil1, Wesly Jeune2,14, Valérie Poncet ID1*
1 IRD, UMR DIADE, CIRAD, Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France, 2 Faculté des Sciences de
l’Agriculture et de l’Environnement, Université de Quisqueya, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 3 Institut Agro, ABSys,
Université Montpellier, CIHEAM-IAMM, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France, 4 CIRAD, UMR ABSys, F34398, Montpellier, France, 5 GECO, Université Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France, 6 CIRAD, UPR
GECO, F-34398, Montpellier, France, 7 Agricultural Genetics Institute (AGI), Hanoi, Vietnam, 8 CIRAD,
UMR DIADE, Montpellier, France, 9 Faculty of Sciences, Division of Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity
Conservation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 10 ILVO, Melle, Belgium, 11 Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,
12 USDA-ARS, SPCL, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America, 13 CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica,
14 AVSF, Pétion-Ville, Haïti
* claudepatrickmillet@gmail.com (CPM); valerie.poncet@ird.fr (VP)
OPEN ACCESS
Citation: Millet CP, Allinne C, Vi T, Marraccini P,
Verleysen L, Couderc M, et al. (2024) Haitian coffee
agroforestry systems harbor complex arabica
variety mixtures and under-recognized genetic
diversity. PLoS ONE 19(4): e0299493. https://doi.
org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299493
Editor: Awatif Abid Al-Judaibi, University of
Jeddah, SAUDI ARABIA
Received: August 31, 2023
Accepted: February 11, 2024
Published: April 16, 2024
Peer Review History: PLOS recognizes the
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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299493
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Abstract
Though facing significant challenges, coffee (Coffea arabica) grown in Haitian agroforestry systems are important contributors to rural livelihoods and provide several ecosystem services. However, little is known about their genetic diversity and the variety
mixtures used. In light of this, there is a need to characterize Haitian coffee diversity to
help inform revitalization of this sector. We sampled 28 diverse farms in historically important coffee growing regions of northern and southern Haiti. We performed KASP-genotyping of SNP markers and HiPlex multiplex amplicon sequencing for haplotype calling on
our samples, as well as several Ethiopian and commercial accessions from international
collections. This allowed us to assign Haitian samples to varietal groups. Our analyses
revealed considerable genetic diversity in Haitian farms, higher in fact than many farmers
realized. Notably, genetic structure analyses revealed the presence of clusters related to
Typica, Bourbon, and Catimor groups, another group that was not represented in our reference accession panel, and several admixed individuals. Across the study areas, we
found both mixed-variety farms and monovarietal farms with the historical and traditional
Typica variety. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to genetically characterize Haitian
C. arabica variety mixtures, and report the limited cultivation of C. canephora (Robusta
coffee) in the study area. Our results show that some coffee farms are repositories of historical, widely-abandoned varieties while others are generators of new diversity through
genetic mixing.
Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are
available within the paper and its Online Resource
files. The passport and genotyping (KASP SNP
genotypes and HiPlex amplicon sequencing
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Variety mixtures and genetic diversity in Haitian coffee agroforestry systems
haplotypes) data that support the findings of this
study are available in the DataSuds repository
(IRD, France) at https://doi.org/10.23708/T6YZML.
1 Introduction
1.1 Diversity and resilience of agrosystems
Funding: C.P.M. was funded by PhD grants from
the French Embassy in Haiti and the ARTS program
(IRD). This work was supported by the Agricultural
and Agroforestry Technological Innovation
Program (HA-L1107, HA-G1038) funded by the
IDB, GAFSP, IFAD and Haitian government. T.V.
was supported by PhD grants from the French
Embassy in Vietnam and the ARTS program (IRD).
L.V. was supported by Research FoundationFlanders (FWO; G090719N). The funders had no
role in study design, data collection and analysis,
decision to publish, or preparation of the
manuscript.
Agricultural systems are faced with various stressors, both biotic (pests, diseases) and abiotic
(droughts, nutrient deficiencies, temperature shocks, etc.). Modern agricultural practices for
responding to these pressures are increasingly called into question for their unsustainable
nature, especially as these issues are exacerbated by global climate change [1]. There is thus
ever-growing urgency to improve the resilience and sustainability of crop systems and the various services they provide. Crop diversity in farming systems can help this endeavor by supporting the delivery of ecosystem services without compromising on productivity [2,3].
Diversification of cropping systems can be achieved at the farm scale by combining multiple
species [4], but varietal diversity at the crop level can also contribute to crop productivity and
resilience [5]. For instance, there is evidence that intraspecific diversity can suppress pests and
pathogens by increasing spatial and genetic heterogeneity and decreasing the proportion of
susceptible individuals [6,7]. It can also increase yield stability, particularly under stress [8].
Consequently, there is increased scientific interest in the effect of varietal mixtures, particularly
for annual crops such as cereals [9,10].
Competing interests: The authors have declared
that no competing interests exist.
1.2 Agroforestry systems
The benefits of agrobiodiversity are particularly well-mobilized in diversified agroforestry systems, especially smallholder farms and homegardens in tropical regions. These often-traditional systems feature considerable botanical richness, combining several cash and subsistence
crops with fuelwood, timber, medicinal and culturally important species [11,12]. As such, they
are important providers of several ecosystem services such as food security, farmer economic
resilience, pest and disease regulation, nutrient cycling, soil conservation, preservation of local
knowledge and traditions, as well as conservation of natural biodiversity and crop genetic
diversity [13,14].
This role is of even greater importance in countries such as Haiti, which is faced with the
heavy degradation of its natural ecosystems and their biodiversity, and therefore the risk of losing associated ecosystem services [15,16]. In fact, most of the country’s remaining forested
areas are primarily agroforestry systems [17]. Furthermore, Haiti is a Least Developed Country
whose population is primarily rural. The economic resilience provided by diversified agroforestry systems is therefore valued by farmers [18,19]. These so-called “Creole Gardens” combine fruit, timber and charcoal trees with perennial crops such as coffee, cacao, banana and
plantain, as well as annual crops such as yam and taro [20]. Ensuring the continued social, economic and ecological viability of these systems is thus of prime importance. The present study
focuses on Haitian Coffee Agroforestry Systems (hereafter “CAFS”).
1.3 Coffea arabica: Biology and domestication
Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae) is an allotetraploid (2n = 4x = 44), amphidiploid, mainly autogamous, fairly recent (665,000 years ago) natural hybrid of diploid ancestors species C. canephora and C. eugenioides [21,22]. It is the most important species for the global coffee beverage
market [23] representing about 60% of the global production [24].
Though originating from the mountains of Ethiopia, C. arabica was first cultivated in
Yemen, and became widespread in tropical regions in the XVII-XVIIIth centuries as it was
introduced to various European colonies. Two main lineages of C. arabica were cultivated outside of Yemen: the Typica and Bourbon lines, which both experienced strong successive
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genetic bottlenecks leading to a much narrower genetic diversity compared to natural populations [25,26].
Despite this low diversity, several cultivated varieties were developed in the XXth century
onwards, taking advantage of mutations in the two main lines. These “modern” varieties were
later crossed with Ethiopian accessions or the Timor Hybrid (a spontaneous hybrid of C. arabica and C. canephora [27,28] to introduce traits of agronomic interest such as pest and disease
resistance [29]. Currently, C. arabica is grown in a variety of agricultural systems ranging from
full-sun intensive monoculture to shaded, botanically and structurally complex agroforestry
systems [30]. As for many crops, global climate change is expected to severely and negatively
affect Arabica coffee cultivation [31,32] but increasing the proportion of shade-grown coffee
(and therefore CAFS) can mitigate that impact [33].
1.4 Opportunities provided by coffee genetic diversity
As adaptation to environmental changes and stresses can be achieved through mobilization of
crop genetic diversity, germplasm collections are an important contributor to the continued
vitality of the coffee sector. The CATIE international collection is one of the better-known
Arabica collections [34,35], with a total of 1975 accessions, including Ethiopian wild materials,
traditional and modern varieties, as well as more recent hybrid lines bred for quality, productivity, and disease resistance. However, ex-situ conservation of genetic resources can have certain drawbacks: it effectively freezes the process of natural and farmer selection, preventing
adaptation to changing conditions in the field [36]. At the same time, collected accessions are
not truly static either, but may lose their genetic integrity over time through outcrossing or
identification errors [37,38]. The more dynamic in-situ (farm-based) conservation of genetic
diversity can therefore serve as a beneficial complementary approach. Leveraging diversity for
adaptation and improvement of coffee yield, quality and resilience has been made easier
through the increasing availability of marker-based methods of molecular characterization of
coffee plant genotypes [21,22,25,39]. Due to C. arabica being a relatively recent species with
low genetic diversity made even lower in cultivated accessions by successive bottlenecks, its
genome displays a low level of polymorphism. Therefore, targeted genotyping of regions with
known polymorphisms, and particularly Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) has shown
promise as a cost-effective and efficient way to characterize and identify the genetic identity,
diversity and population structure of Arabica coffee [22,40–42]
1.5 Coffee in Haiti
Coffee cultivation on Haitian soil dates back to the French colonial era, when the Typica line
was introduced and established on the mountainous island in 1735 [43]. By the end of the
XVIIIth century, the then-colony of St-Domingue had become the first coffee producer in the
world, accounting for half of the global supply [23,44]. When Haiti became independent in
1804, C. arabica ‘Typica’ remained an important agricultural resource, though multiple crises
throughout the country’s history reduced its productivity and contribution to the nation’s
economy [45,46]. Examples include a lack of financial and technical support to farmers, world
market volatility, coffee pest (e.g. the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei) and disease
(e.g. Coffee Leaf Rust, Hemileia vastatrix) outbreaks, soil erosion and nutrient loss, and coffee
stand aging [47].
In the present day, these issues are still ongoing, but Haitian coffee retains the potential to
be attractive on smaller-batch, specialty markets. Indeed, Creole Gardens are the main type of
coffee-cropping systems and receive virtually no agrochemical inputs [48]. They can produce
ethical and environmentally-friendly shade coffee, which is of high quality [49]. Some growers’
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cooperatives are able to sell their harvest on North-American, European and Japanese gourmet
markets at high prices [47,48], and local workshops with growers suggest a renewed interest in
reviving this once-important culture [50]. The Haitian context makes clear that any effort to
revitalize local coffee production must do so in a way that safeguards the ecological value of
diversified CAFS and their contribution to the socioeconomic resilience and food security of
local communities.
1.6 Study aims
With few publications about Haitian coffee in the scientific literature, reports from multilateral
development and NGO projects remain the main source of information. These suggest that
Typica remains the main variety grown in Haitian fields, but that from the 1970s onwards new
varieties were introduced by several agricultural development programs [48,51,52]. The distribution and dissemination of coffee varieties in Haitian CAFS is poorly documented. The revitalization of diverse agroforestry systems is of economic, social, cultural and ecological
importance. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the genetic diversity contained
therein, as well as its structure, in order to assist in the decision-making of farmers and policy
actors and to help conserve coffee genetic resources.
This study therefore aimed to characterize the genetic diversity and genetic structure of
Arabica coffee cultivated in Haitian CAFS. We focused on collecting data from two administrative departments of development priority: Nord and Grande-Anse, in northern and southern Haiti, respectively. In each department, 14 farms were selected to collect leaf samples for
genetic analysis and information on the coffee tree was recorded through farmer surveys. The
objectives were: (i) to determine varietal diversity and its distribution over the territory using
SNP target markers and a set of Arabica diversity reference accessions, (ii) to compare local
knowledge of this diversity based on farmer survey to genetic variety classification; (iii) to
draw up guidelines for the dynamic conservation and development of this varietal diversity.
2 Materials and methods
2.1 Selection of study sites
The present study took place in two administrative departments, Nord and Grande-Anse, in
northern and southern Haiti, respectively. These regions were historically important coffee
producers since the colonial era [44], but now struggle to sustain production. Sampling sites
were selected on the basis of a preliminary survey of 122 Non-intensive, diversified CAFS, of
which 43 were subsequently surveyed in-depth. These surveys were conducted in 2021 by the
multilaterally-funded Agricultural and Agroforestry Technological Innovation Program
(PITAG) implemented by Agronomess et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières and the Haitian Ministry
of Agriculture. Twenty-eight of the surveyed CAFS (14 per department) were selected on the
basis of farmer-reported varietal diversity for inclusion in the present study. Selection of study
sites took into account geographical spread, range of farmer-reported (expected) varietal composition, and inclusion of several municipalities in order to attain good representation of
diversified Haitian CAFS in the two administrative departments. Selected gardens were thus
spread across five municipalities (communes): Bahon, Dondon and Grande Rivière du Nord
(Nord); Beaumont and Pestel (Grande-Anse) (S1 Table). After in-person explanation of the
study aims, signatures on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) forms were gathered from all farmers.
Material transfer agreements (MTAs) and export permits for the collected samples were
obtained from the Haitian Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development
(MARNDR).
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2.2 Sampling strategy and local knowledge collection
Coffee leaf samples were collected in November-December 2021. In order to capture the diversity present in the surveyed gardens, farmers were asked to identify the various (putative) coffee varieties growing in their field. At each site but one, a minimum of 20 plants were sampled,
taking care to include all putative varieties in similar quantities. In addition, farmers were
asked to point out any and all coffee plants that seemed atypical to them, for example in their
health, vigor, productivity, or lack thereof. When such coffee trees were identified, they were
sampled as well. Therefore, our sampling covered a wide range of coffee tree ages, phenotypes
and putative varieties. Four healthy, mature leaves from plagiotropic axes of the coffee trees
were collected, when possible from the third fully-grown pairs from the apex, and preserved in
silica gel.
In addition to the Haitian field samples, a panel of varieties and wild accessions (n = 96)
was obtained from the CATIE international coffee germplasm collection (Turrialba, CostaRica) with additional samples (n = 15) from the HARC collection (Hawaii, USA) which were
provided by USDA-ARS, SPCL (Beltsville, MD, USA) to serve as references for varietal assignment. Finally, wild C. arabica (n = 6), as well as C. canephora (n = 5), C. liberica (n = 3) and C.
congensis (n = 2) were sampled from the IRD collection (Montpellier, France) as outgroups
(S2 Table).
2.3 Vernacular names
Any work taking advantage of Haitian coffee diversity will need to understand how its stewards perceive and categorize it in order to maximize the effectiveness of farmers’ participation.
Putative varietal identification of collected field samples were recovered from surveys. These
came primarily from farmers, although in some cases this was impossible and the identification came from local agronomists instead. Taken together, these identifications (hereafter
“vernacular categories”) were considered to provide an indication of local knowledge. To
avoid confusion, vernacular category names were written with the Haitian creole spelling.
When no clear identification could be provided, a “No ID” record was made for that sample.
2.4 Molecular method
2.4.1 KASP SNP genotyping. A set of 96 SNPs were first genotyped by KASP assay.
Mérot-L’Anthoëne et al. [39] developed a DNA array of 8580 biallelic SNP from C. canephora
and C. arabica sequencing, 945 of which were designed specifically to be informative for arabica diversity assessment. From the latter, Zhang et al. [53] selected a set of 96 core SNPs found
to be polymorphic and discriminant across a panel of commercial and wild accessions of C.
arabica, including many of our reference samples from the CATIE international collection.
Selective genotyping by KASP assay targeting these core markers was conducted by LGC Biosearch Technologies (Middlesex, UK). Raw genotyping data (coded as A/B, biallelic markers)
was filtered to exclude loci with missing data in <30% of samples, and individuals with <30%
missing genotype data. Genotyping error rates were calculated using three duplicate samples
included for genotyping, as percent difference in genotype calls between duplicates across all
called SNP sites.
2.4.2 HiPlex amplicon sequencing. In parallel, genotyping data was obtained on the
same sample set using highly multiplex amplicon sequencing (HiPlex) of 400 regions (110–120
bp each) selected to be variable between the Typica and Bourbon varieties (Bawin, 2022). DNA
was extracted from Haitian and reference samples using a protocol with MATAB+DTT lysis
buffer following a sorbitol wash of the material (adapted from [54]. Amplicon libraries were
prepared by Floodlight Genomics LLC (Knoxville, TN, USA), and were sequenced by Admera
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Health (South Plainfield, NJ, USA). Obtained reads were mapped onto each of the two subgenomes of the C. arabica reference genome sequence v0.6 of the accession ET-39 [26] using a
customized script by Bawin (2020), available on GitLab (https://gitlab.com/ybawin/sequencedata-processing-tetraploids). After filtering, read-backed haplotyping was conducted based on
SNPs in the HiPlex read data using the SMAP software package v4.2.0 [55]. The full pipeline
description can be found in supplementary notes. Genotype tables were then filtered to
exclude loci with missing data in >30% of Arabica samples specifically, then individuals of all
Coffea species with >30% missing data. Variant calling error rates were calculated using 12
duplicate samples included for sequencing.
2.5 Genetic analyses and varietal characterization
Full genetic analyses were carried out on the targeted SNPs genotyped with the KASP assay,
since they were optimized to reveal intra-Arabica (both between cultivated and wild accessions) diversity. Then, the results were compared with HiPlex haplotype data designed to distinguish Typica and Bourbon varieties and their potential hybrids.
Global genetic diversity and its geographical distribution were estimated by using descriptive statistics and genetic differentiation pairwise FST values (with corresponding p-values at
999 bootstraps) calculated at the farm, municipality and department levels using GenAlEx software package v. 6.51b2 [56]. For the latter, values were calculated both per locus within groups
and per group across all loci. The significance of each hierarchical level was tested using the
varcomp.glob, as well as test.between, test.within and test.between.within (1000 permutations
each) function in the R package Hierfstat v. 0.5–11 [57].
Varietal and farm composition characterization were carried out in several steps. Principal
component analyses (PCA) was performed on Haitian and reference samples (both including
and excluding reference samples) using the R packages LEA v. 3.10.2 [58] and Tidyverse v.
2.0.0 [59] ggplot function. Unweighted neighbor-joining dendrograms were made from a simple-matching distance matrix with 1000 bootstrap replicates using the software DARwin v.
6.0.21 [60] in order to visualize the diversity of Haitian coffee plants in relation to that of reference samples. In addition, an analysis of population structure using the sNMF function
(K = 1–10, 100 repetitions) of the R package LEA v. 3.10.2 was conducted. A threshold of 80%
membership to a sNMF population was used to assign samples to a varietal group (hereafter
“genetic group”), which was labeled according to the reference samples in that group. Samples
with <80% membership in any group were considered to be admixed. In order to infer putative intervarietal crosses and more fully describe the sampled coffee diversity, we used a threshold of 40% membership from one or more genetic groups to sub-categorize admixed
individuals. Pairwise FST (and p-values at 999 bootstraps) were calculated between genetic
groups (including and excluding reference samples) with GenAlEx v. 6.51b2.
The results obtained with the targeted KASP SNP genotyping data were then compared
with those obtained with HiPlex amplicon sequencing haplotype data designed to distinguish
Typica and Bourbon varieties and their potential hybrids. In addition to the above analyses, a
Mantel test of correlation was performed on the HiPlex haplotype and KASP SNP genotyping
data distance matrices using GenAlEx v. 6.51b2. Allele counts for C. arabica-only (field and
reference) HiPlex haplotype data were extracted using the adegenet R package v. 2.1.10 [61]
and a sNMF analysis of population structure was conducted with the same parameters as for
the KASP SNP genotyping data. Genetic groups were again defined using an 80% membership
threshold. Farm genetic group composition was mapped in QGIS v. 3.30.1[62] using Natural
Earth (Free vector and raster map data @ naturalearthdata.com) and shapefiles from Hijmans
and UC Berkeley [63,64]and Patterson and Kelso [65].
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For subsequent analyses and discussion of the results, the KASP-based genetic groups were
retained as they were determined on the basis of markers selected using a broader panel of
Arabica accessions [53], and more accessions were represented in the reference samples for
the present study.
2.6 Vernacular and genetic identification comparison
We investigated the degree of correspondence between local C. arabica vernacular category
names and their genotypic makeup from the KASP SNP genotyping data by testing for correlation between the sizes of the sNMF-determined genetic groups (with admixed individuals
lumped together as one group, as well as sub-categorized according to the 40% membership
threshold) and those of the vernacular categories (including the “No ID” group). We also
tested for correlation between the number of varieties grown on farms (as reported by farmers)
and the number of varietal clusters identified for that field, excluding admixed individuals. For
all these analyses, we used a series of Pearson’s χ2 tests of independence in R.
Farms were categorized based on the local perception of their diversity (with “diverse”
farms having more than two reported vernacular categories and “less diverse” farms having
one or two) and their genetic group diversity (again, with “diverse farms” having more than
two genetic groups and “less diverse” farms having one or two). We tested the correlation
between locally-perceived and genetic group diversity. The genetic diversity categories were
the same regardless of whether the admixed individuals were sub-categorized. Another test
was performed, this time categorizing farms as either “monovarietal”(only one group) or
“multi-varietal” (two or more groups), again according to vernacular category and genetic
group diversity. Pearson’s χ2 tests of independence were again used for all these analyses.
3 Results
3.1 Genetic diversity analyses
After filtering, KASP SNP genotyping data were obtained for 724 individuals (including 117 C.
arabica, five C. canephora and one C. congensis reference sample) at 87 loci. There were no differences over all loci for the three duplicated samples.
Over all Haitian samples, expected heterozygosity (or gene diversity, He) was 0.33, only
slightly lower than among all Arabica references in the ex-situ collections (He = 0.37). Across
farms, He ranged from 0.02 (Ka Gous, farm code G13) to 0.34 (Bertin, farm code N07). Mean
He and marker polymorphism were lower across farms (0.23 and 66.7% respectively) than
across municipalities (0.28 and 83.9%) and departments (0.32 and 89.7%). In all but the lowest
diversity farms, observed heterozygosity (Ho) was consistently lower than He, as expected for
autogamous species. The inbreeding coefficient (FIS) of farms ranged from 0.38 to 0.85, with
an intermediate value across Arabica reference accessions (FIS = 0.62). These statistics, which
are detailed in supplementary materials (S3–S5 Tables), indicate that there is considerable
diversity across Haitian samples, but that farms exhibit great variability in the genetic makeup
of their germplasm.
Statistical tests of the effect of different geographic levels on coffee genetic structure in
Hierfstat revealed a non-significant impact of the department (p = 0.431) and municipality
(p = 0.141) levels, which is also apparent in pairwise FST comparisons (S6 Table). However, the
municipality of Bahon (containing four farms) was notable in that it harbored less diversity
(Ho = 0.043) than the single farm in the adjacent municipality of Grande Rivière du Nord (Ho
= 0.067). The farm level was found to have a significant impact (p = 0.001) on genetic structure
of sampled Haitian Arabica. Therefore, within- and between farm heterogeneity was the main
source of variation in the genetic structure of coffee tree stands (S7 Table).
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Fig 1. Genetic structure and diversity of Haitian coffee in relation to reference samples from international
collections, based on SNP genotyping data. A. Principal Component Analysis performed on Haitian (filled circles)
and reference (open squares) C. arabica samples showing the first two axes (46,89% and 11,26% of variance explained,
respectively). B. C. arabica population structure analysis at K = 2 (top) and K = 6 (bottom) for Haitian and reference
(Ref.) samples. Initials at bottom correspond to genetic groups defined in the legend, with only the Ethiopian-like and
admixed (adm.) reference individuals labeled. C. Unweighted neighbor-joining dendrogram of reference and Haitian
coffee samples (with non-C. arabica species in pink at the root) based on simple matching distance matrix. Numbers
represent select reference individuals for illustrative purposes: 1) GUI2 C. canephora; 2) T.02731 Jimma Galla Sidamo;
3) T.02542 Caturra; 4) Ku042 Red Bourbon; 5) T.08867 CR-95; 6) T.03427 Cera; 7) Ku214 Jamaica Blue Mountain; 8)
T.00989 Guadeloupe. Sample color code was based on 80% membership threshold in one ancestral population at K = 6
from population structure analysis.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299493.g001
The lack of genetic structure at department and municipality levels was also seen in the
scattered distribution of Haitian samples along the main axes of the PCA (Fig 1A). Reference
samples of ex-situ collections were also quite scattered, suggesting that a good proportion of
global C. arabica diversity was represented in our reference panel. Despite this, some Haitian
samples did not cluster with any reference individuals.
3.2 Varietal assignment
Varietal assignment and characterization were carried out using a genetic structure analysis
performed on both Haitian and reference samples with KASP SNP genotyping data. Crossentropy for the sNMF structure analysis was lowest between K = 5–8. Increasing the number
of clusters starting from K = 2 and up to K = 6 (Fig 1B) allowed for the identification of distinct
varietal clusters labeled according to reference samples included therein. These were: a Typicalike (n = 263, including nH = 248 Haitian samples), Bourbon-like (n = 35, nH = 27), CR95/Catimor-like (n = 77, nH = 73), Kent/I-60-like (n = 9, nH = 7), and Ethiopian-like (n = 23, nH = 1)
group, as well as a sixth group exclusively composed of Haitian samples (n = 52). The Ethiopian-like group was made up of collection accessions from C. arabica’s natural distribution
range, with only one Haitian sample assigned to it.
Pairwise FST values between the six genetic groups, considered as distinct varietal groups,
showed them to be well-differentiated, whether calculated using only Haitian samples (Fig 2A)
or including reference accessions. Overall, mean genetic distance between individuals in the
same group was 0.016 ± 0.037 SD. The genetic group with the highest similarity between
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Fig 2. Genetic differentiation between and within genetic groups. A. Pairwise FST between identified C. arabica
genetic groups calculated on Haitian samples (N = 406) from data based on SNP genotyping data. All p-values <0.001
at 999 repetitions. B. Boxplot of pairwise simple matching genetic distances within genetic group for reference
+ Haitian (« All ») and Haitian-only (« H ») individuals. Colors correspond to those used for group labels in panel A.
Only one Haitian sample was assigned to the Ethiopian-like group. The « Kent/I-60-like », « CR95/Catimor-like » and
« Ethiopian-like » group names have been shortened for legibility.
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individuals was Typica (0.010 ± 0.022, mean ± SD) and the genetic group with the highest mean
genetic distance between individuals was the Ethiopian-like group (0.196 ± 0.057 SD) (Fig 2B).
Using the 80% membership threshold, 407 Haitian and 52 reference samples were assigned
to a variety. 194 Haitian samples were considered to be admixed, with 128 of them having
>40% membership from one genetic group, 20 samples from two groups (and always at least
one of the two traditional lineages, Typica or Bourbon), and 46 samples never reaching 40%
membership from any genetic group. 65 reference accessions were considered to be admixed.
The distribution on the PCA axes, and the clustering of individuals on the neighbor-joining
dendrogram (Fig 1C) were consistent with results of the structure analysis. The first axis of the
PCA primarily separated the Typica from the Bourbon groups, while the second axis primarily
differentiated the CR-95 like and the “Unlabeled” groups (Fig 1A). The group of “Unlabeled”
coffee trees were those which did not cluster with any reference sample in the PCA, confirming
the absence of their representation in the CATIE international collection. The clustering of
individuals on the neighbor-joining dendrogram was consistent with that of the structure analysis (Fig 1). The dendrogram showed Ethiopian accessions to be the most basal among C.
arabica samples, and separated the other cultivated varieties in two main groups consistent
with the historical Typica and Bourbon lineages and their derived varieties.
3.3 Comparison with HiPlex haplotype data
After filtering, 691 samples (including 94 C. arabica, three C. canephora, one C. congensis, and
two C. liberica reference samples) and 225 multi-allelic haplotype markers were obtained from
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the HiPlex amplicon sequencing data. Mean variant call error rate was 1.4% (min = 0.2%,
max = 3.6%). Among C. arabica samples, we obtained SNP calls from KASP SNP genotyping
data and HiPlex haplotype calls for 684 individuals (590 field and 94 reference samples).
Genetic distance matrices per marker set were significantly correlated (p = 0.001, R2 = 0.19).
Likewise, there was a fairly linear relationship between the expected heterozygosity (gene
diversity) calculated from both sets of markers at the farm (y = 1.01x+0.03, R2 = 0.71) and
Population structure analysis for HiPlex haplotype data displayed low cross-entropy starting at K = 6, with a cluster of Ethiopian samples appearing at K = 7 (vs. K = 6 for the KASP
SNP data). The accessions assigned to a genetic group with the KASP SNP data set were
assigned to a corresponding HiPlex-based genetic group with a high frequency, although with
a higher proportion for the large Typica groups (78.57%) than for the smaller Bourbon groups
(46.88%), and the Kent/I-60-like group with only eight accessions could not be assigned with
certainty with HiPlex haplotype data (S8 Table). The additional cluster detected from HiPlex
haplotype data appears to be mostly made up of admixed individuals. The corresponding
neighbor-joining dendrogram shows that relationships between the samples were generally
conserved, although it split the Typica and Bourbon lines at a more basal position, before the
Ethiopian-like group differentiation (S2 Fig).
3.4 Identification of Robusta coffee trees among Haitian samples
Several sampled individuals from one farm (N05) in northern Haiti, locally identified as a distinct variety, were suspected to belong to a different Coffea species based on visual aspect of
the leaves and fruits and the lower genotyping success using Arabica-targeting markers. Using
a subset of the 57 most complete markers across Coffea species, and thus recovering C. congensis and C. liberica samples which had been excluded from prior analyses, we calculated distance
matrices and generated neighbor-joining dendrogram that suggested these individuals
belonged to C. canephora (S3 Fig).
3.5 Farm composition
All genetic groups but the Ethiopian were identified in both departments (Fig 3). The Kent/I60-like group was absent from two municipalities, Bahon and Grande Rivière du Nord,
although Bahon only had one muti-varietal farm and Grande Rivière du Nord was only represented by a single (albeit multi-varietal) farm. The Bourbon-like group was also absent from
the Grande Rivière du Nord farm. The composition of farms varied considerably. There were
four monovarietal farms, which invariably consisted of the Typica genetic group, and had no
admixed individuals. Two farms had individuals from the Typica and “Unlabeled” groups, and
no admixed individuals. The 22 remaining farms had between two and five genetic groups, as
well as admixed individuals of varying genetic backgrounds. Of the 148 admixed individuals
with contribution from at least one genetic group at the >40% membership threshold, 68.2%
co-occurred with plants from all contributing genetic groups. A further 4.7% had contribution
from two genetic groups but co-occurred with plants from only one of those contributing
groups. Finally, 40 out of the 148 admixed individuals (27.0%) were not cultivated on the same
farms as any plant from the contributing genetic groups (Fig 4).
3.6 Local knowledge of variety mixtures
Five main vernacular category names were recorded during sampling, and all correspond to
conventionally-used coffee varieties. The vernacular categories in Haitian creole were: Tipika
(for “Typica”, also called “Vieux café”), Katoura (“Caturra”), Katimò (“Catimor”), Bougon (for
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Fig 3. Location and coffee genetic group composition of sampled farms in Haiti, based on SNP genotyping data.
A. Geographic location of the Republic of Haiti in the Caribbean region. Scale bar ticks represent a distance of 250 km.
B. Study area in the Nord (N, northern) and Grande-Anse (G, southern) departments. Scale bar ticks represent 25 km.
C. Farm location and genetic group composition in the Nord department and D. in the Grande-Anse department.
Scale bar ticks in 3.C and 3.D. represent 2.5 km. Note: One farm (N05- Bernice) contained « Robusta coffee » (C.
canephora) in addition to C. arabica. All other Haitian samples are C. arabica.
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“Bourbon”) and Blou Monntenn (“Blue Mountain”). A sixth name, Kafe Brezil (“Brazil Coffee”), was used to refer to the phenotypically distinct C. canephora individuals. 48 individuals
could not be identified, and therefore were not assigned to a vernacular category.
Pearson’s χ2 test revealed significant correlation between vernacular category and genetic
group membership, whether considering hybrids as one category or sub-categorizing them
(p = 2.2e-16 in both cases). To illustrate the overlap between local knowledge and genetic identification, the percent representation of genetic groups in each vernacular category was plotted
(Fig 5A). Despite the correlation found, vernacular categories were shared among samples
belonging to various genetic groups, with some counterintuitive associations. For instance,
“Blue Mountain” coffee generally refers to Jamaican Typica trees, which is consistent with the
clustering of most reference Blue Mountain samples in the Typica genetic group. However,
31% of plants identified as Blou Monntenn were found to belong to the CR95/Catimor-like
group. In fact, CR95/Catimor-like plants were more likely to be identified as Blou Monntenn
(31.5%) than as Katimò (19.2%). Likewise, no plant assigned to the Bourbon-like genetic
group was identified as Bougon, though 51.9% of them were identified as Katoura. The Caturra
variety is a dwarf mutant of Bourbon coffee, and the structure analysis assigned Caturra reference samples to the Bourbon-like genetic group. 83.0% of samples from the Typica genetic
group were identified as Tipika, and made up 64.1% of the latter. Of the 48 samples which had
no clear vernacular category, 47.9% were admixed individuals and 27% were assigned to the
Typica genetic group.
The number of varieties reported by farmers was not significantly correlated with the number of genetic groups (p = 0.314), nor was there a significant correlation between local perception of diversity and genetic group diversity (p = 0.1199) (Fig 5B). However, there was a
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Fig 4. Contribution of genetic groups and admixed individual to farm composition. Number of C. arabica samples
per farm with contribution from the historical Typica variety (right) and other genetic groups based on SNP
genotyping data (left). Percentages in the legend refer to contribution thresholds. Hatched colors correspond to
samples with >40% membership from two genetic groups. Admixed samples in grey never reached 40% membership
from any genetic group. The « Kent/I-60-like» and « CR95/Catimor-like » group names have been shortened for
legibility. Farms are noted Nx for the Nord (northern) and Gx for Grande-Anse (southern) departments, respectively.
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significant association between farms’ monovarietal or multi-varietal status as perceived locally
and as determined by genetic group composition (p = 1.995e-7).
4 Discussion
4.1 Two sets of markers for different genetic background signals
Cultivated Arabica coffee varieties originate mostly from two main lineages, Typica and Bourbon, as well as from crosses between them and with Ethiopian accession and the Timor Hybrid
[29]. As such, we sought to distinguish between putative varieties using a set of markers
(KASP SNP genotyping) designed for cultivated and wild accession diversity [39,53]. However,
given the recorded historical introduction in Haiti of Typica and the early global spread of
Bourbon, we also aimed to differentiate the two lineages using a multiplex amplicon sequencing assay (HiPlex) designed to discriminate the two varieties with variety-specific haplotypes
[54].
Results acquired from both HiPlex haplotype and KASP SNP markers showed similar levels
of genetic diversity across farms and municipalities, and both distances matrices were correlated. There were considerable similarities, but also notable differences between the structure
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Fig 5. Vernacular identification of Haitian C. arabica samples in relation to their assigned genetic groups based
on SNP genotyping data. A. Percent representation of each genetic group (and admixed individuals) in vernacular
categories based on local knowledge. Color legend represent genetic composition, with hatched colors representing
admixed individuals with >40% membership from two genetic groups. Admixed samples in grey do not reach 40%
membership from any genetic group. The « Kent/I-60-like» and « CR95/Catimor-like » group names have been
shortened for legibility. B. Number of vernacular varieties reported by farmers at time of sampling (open bars) and
genetic groups identified by SNP genotyping (filled bars) in the Nord (Nx) and Grande-Anse (Gx) departments. Farms
also had admixed individuals, except those marked with *. Where farmers were unsure of their farm’s vernacular
variety composition, no data is shown.
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analyses (sNMF results): the most likely cluster number was K = 7 for the HiPlex haplotype
data whereas it was K = 6 for the KASP SNP data, as these were the values at which Ethiopianlike genetic groups were identified. In both analyses, however, genetic groups were identified
for major varieties, Typica-, Bourbon-, CR95/Catimor-like samples and the “Unlabeled” Haitian cluster with comparable level of assignation.
These overall differences may result from differences in the KASP and HiPlex marker assay
design objectives. The KASP SNP marker set was developed to discriminate a broad panel of
wild and commercial accessions while the HiPlex marker set was developed to maximize polymorphism between the two main cultivated varieties and identify crosses between them. In
particular, by emphasizing the differences between Typica and Bourbon, these markers seem
to introduce a level of ascertainment bias and erase the trace of the Ethiopian origin of these
varieties (Ethiopian accessions are no longer basal on the tree). While we decided to focus on
the KASP SNP genotyping data for varietal identification, the HiPlex haplotype assay may be
useful in identifying further structuring in admixed individuals, when focusing on Typica x
Bourbon hybrids, and are thus likely best used to infer intra-varietal structure.
Our study revealed considerable Arabica coffee diversity in Haitian CAFS. Five main varietal genetic groups were identified encompassing the two main cultivated Typica and Bourbon
Arabica lineages. In fact, some farms had levels of gene diversity (He) only slightly lower than
that measured across all reference ex-situ collection accessions, consistent with the PCA showing considerable overall between global Arabica diversity (as determined from our reference
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accessions) and that present in Haitian samples. Farm composition was also quite variable:
lower-diversity farms had up to two genetic (varietal) groups and little to no evidence of
admixture, whereas high-diversity farms had two to five genetic groups as well as admixed
individuals of varying genetic backgrounds.
4.2 Haitian farm diversity
Coffee genetic diversity showed no significant structure at the level of departments or municipalities suggesting that all varietal groups have been introduced or exchanged across both
departments. Genetic variability was therefore highest within and between farms, with an
overall lack of regional specificity or North-South divide. Nevertheless, there is a pattern of
monovarietal farms being situated in more remote locations away from the main roads and
larger cities. This is notably the case in the Bahon municipality in the North: the town is
smaller and further away from the main northern city of Cap-Haitien, and the three monovarietal farms were in remote mountains accessible by foot or motorcycle, but not by car. The
monovarietal farm in Grande-Anse was also the farthest from the main road. These farms
have thus remained out of the reach for the many development projects that are involved in
the introduction and spread of newer varieties.
4.3 Notes on varietal identification
Varietal identification by clustering of samples (as was done in the present study) can be complicated by the diversity of criteria used for defining a variety or accession [29,66,67]. Organoleptic properties, growth habits and other phenotypic traits, as well as geographic origins all
factor in the concept of varieties in a way that could not be captured by our genetic methods.
For instance, “Jamaican Blue Mountain” reference accessions were not genetically differentiated from other references in the Typica group, and “Caturra” and “Bourbon”-named reference accessions clustered together. The history of varietal naming in C. arabica is also
complex. In the XXth century particularly, an abundance of new varieties and accessions were
described from homozygote mutants and their outcrossing progeny [68]. Haarer (1923) gives
the example of “Typica amarello” (sic), a yellow-fruited mutant of Typica, which was crossed
with Bourbon to yield “Bourbon amarello”, showing how nomenclature can obscure parentage. Indeed, in our study Typica Amarillo and Bourbon Amarillo references clustered together
as admixed individuals. The matter is further complicated by recent genetic studies that have
shed light on issues in mislabeling and maintenance of genetic integrity in coffee accessions
worldwide [37,38]. Nevertheless, our methodology allows for the assignment of coffee plants
to genetic groups that can be used to reconstruct pedigree relationships, infer cultivation history, predict agronomic performance, evaluate diversity and identify diversification processes
in coffee farms.
4.4 Local perceptions of coffee varieties and diversity
Comparisons of the genetic and vernacular identification of sampled coffee plants revealed
them to be correlated. Nevertheless, there were inconsistencies between the two categorizations. Montagnon [69] reported similar discrepancies between genetic and vernacular categorization of Arabica in traditional Yemeni farms, though by contrast to the latter study all
vernacular categories recorded in Haiti corresponded to commercially-used varietal names.
Overall, local knowledge is apt at distinguishing monovarietal stands from diversified ones,
but the level of diversity is often underestimated, with some genetic groups and processes of
admixture being overlooked. This is consistent with other studies comparing farmer-reported
with genetically-determined varietal diversity [70,71].
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Discrepancies may be in part due to farmers developing their own ways of categorizing
plants based on practical concerns or phenotypic observations independent of plants’ genetic
parentage [72], even as the names used may be repurposed. For instance, plants from the Catimor-like genetic group had a similar likelihood of being assigned to the “Katimò” and “Blou
Monntenn” vernacular categories. Speaking with farmers during sampling, it became apparent
that Blou Montenn is often used to identify compact plants with shorter internodes. As generally understood, Blue Mountain coffee refers to Typica plants grown in the eponymous Jamaican mountains [73]. The attribution of this label to non-Typica plants in Haiti may originate
from development projects mislabeling imported material, as one report referred to the implementation of varietal replacement in participating farms, whereby “the “Typica” coffee variety
was substituted by the “Blue Mountain” variety, which was rust tolerant” [74]. The high proportion of admixed individuals could also be blurring the distinctions between varieties. Still,
vernacular category names can provide insight to aid in interpreting genetic analyses. For
instance, though neither market set distinguished Caturra from their Bourbon relatives, the
presence of the Katourra vernacular category suggests that at least some of the genetic Bourbon-like Haitian samples could be Caturra. While one might expect this distinction to be easily
resolvable through phenotypic observation, given Caturra’s characteristic compact, “dwarf”
growth form, the matter becomes considerably more complicated in the reality of Haitian
fields. Indeed, stand ageing and lack of pruning has led to older plants acquiring tall, complex
and extremely variable architectures that were quite different from those occurring in more
diligently managed coffee stands.
4.5 Persistence of the historical Typica-like group
Plants in the Typica group were found in all farms except two. This group also made up the
coffee stands in all four monovarietal farms, with two more being composed exclusively of
plants from the Typica and Unlabeled group. Typica was thus the most widespread variety in
the surveyed areas, which was expected, as this variety was the first to be introduced from a
limited number of original clones and became widespread both during and after the colonial
era. This variety is the traditional “Vieux café” from Haiti, and our analysis confirms that
despite the genetic mixing taking place in Haitian CAFS, it has retained its genetic integrity
both in northern and southern Haiti. Typica have very good potential for quality but display
low yields and high susceptibility to disease [73].
The Typica cluster was found to have the least diversity, which is consistent with the strong
population bottleneck that resulted from the introduction of this lineage to the Neotropics, the
first instance of coffee being grown in the Americas. This group had the most overlap between
genetic groups and vernacular categories, and local farmers were more likely to describe plants
from other genetic groups as “Tipika” than they were to ascribe plants from the Typica-like
genetic group to other vernacular categories. This suggests a high degree of familiarity with the
Vieux Café, and that Typica is still seen as the “quintessential” Haitian coffee variety. Anecdotally, during sampling, most farmers described their fields as “Vieux Café / Tipika” stands,
supplemented in many cases by other varieties acquired more recently from cooperatives,
nurseries or development projects.
4.6 Varietal groups beyond Typica established in Haitian CAFS
4.6.1 Bourbon-like group. Individuals assigned to the Bourbon-like genetic group were
found on ten farms. Notably, none of the vernacular “Bougon” were assigned to this group,
though many “Katoura” were. We could not determine whether the Bourbon-like group came
from historical or more recent introductions. The Bourbon variety has been cultivated in the
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Neotropics since the XVIIIth [68] or mid-XIXth century [73], though we found no record of
early introduction to Haiti. Seeds from varieties named Bourbon (H33) and Caturra (T2308)
were imported to Haiti in the 1970s from Turrialba, Costa-Rica [51]. Caturra was noted to
have an especially vigorous growth, with monovarietal fields being established in Southeast
Haiti. Despite their genetic closeness, Bourbon has better cup quality potential and lower
nutrition requirements but also lower yields than Caturra, making further investigation into
the Haitian plants’ identity important. Both are susceptible to coffee leaf rust and other
diseases.
4.6.2 CR95/Catimor-like group. Over half of the surveyed farms contained individuals
that clustered with CR95 reference accessions: ten in the North and five in Grande-Anse.
CR95 is part of the coffee leaf rust tolerant Catimor group originating from a cross between
Caturra and the Timor Hybrid, though loss of resistance has been reported. These are highyielding plants with lower quality potential and high nutrition requirements [73]. Trials of the
then-experimental Catimor variety (T5159) were conducted in Haiti as early as 1977 (Ester,
1978), and it was widely disseminated in Haiti by various agricultural development projects in
the 1990s [52]. As previously discussed, Catimors may have been disseminated under other
names through distribution networks.
4.6.3 Kent/I-60-like group. Only five farms (just one in the North) were found to contain
Kent/I-60-like trees, though almost half of them (13 farms) had plants with <40% membership
from Kent/I-60-like ancestors. The Kent variety originated in 1911 on an eponymous estate in
Mysore, India. At the time, it boasted (now-lost) resistance to coffee leaf rust, leading to its
widespread cultivation in India and East Africa [68]. Though to our knowledge no record
exists of its introduction in Haiti, Haarer, writing in 1923 [68] makes clear that it enjoyed a
great reputation, deeming it the best choice should seed be imported from another country.
The relative rarity of Kent/I-60-like Haitian individuals and the widespread presence of
admixed individuals is consistent with an old introduction of this variety.
4.6.4 Unlabeled group. Population structure analyses identified a varietal cluster containing no reference individuals, making its identification difficult. It was present in 17 of the sampled farms. The closest reference sample was a Sarchimor (Villa Sarchi Bourbon mutant x
Timor Hybrid, WCR) with 50.0% likelihood of contribution from this group. The “Unlabeled”
plants could potentially belong to Timor Hybrid-introgressed Colombian varieties Tabi and
Castillo, which are known to have been used in trials in both departments starting in 2013
[52]. However, no farmer reported growing them, and they are absent from the CATIE international collection. This group’s widespread presence on sampled farms suggest that they are
readily spread through distribution networks, though seemingly without a specific vernacular
name.
4.6.5 Inter-varietal individuals. Admixed individuals between two genetic groups were
at least twice more likely to be found in farms where at least one, and more often two of their
contributing parental varieties were represented, suggesting that at least some were the result
of genetic mixing within their farm. Renewal of coffee stands occurs primarily through germination of the seed bank, though some farmers also source their trees from nurseries or development programs [48,52]. While C. arabica is considered to be mainly autogamous, its rate of
allogamy has been estimated at >10% [75] and significantly more in some cases [76], allowing
gene flow and recombination between individuals [37]. Furthermore, pollinators can increase
the seed set of C. arabica [77], and are more numerous in agrosystems with more diversity and
lower use of chemical inputs [78], potentially favoring outcrossing. The within-farm production of admixed individu
als could therefore result from in-situ outcrossing and subsequent
recruitment from the seed bank. Very little scientific attention has been paid to the varietal
mixtures and genetic mixing in C. arabica fields outside of the Ethiopian accessions in the
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species’ geographic area of origin [76,79]. While our analyses agreed with previous reports of
considerable diversity in Ethiopian accessions, our results highlight the potential role of nonintensive, no-input CAFS in generating diversity from cultivated accessions under appropriate
conditions. As Haitian CAFS are recovering from the severe 2012 rust epidemic, which
impacted much of the Neotropical region [52,80], natural selection may have favored admixed
individuals with greater resistance to the disease. This could explain the high proportion of
admixed individuals with contribution from the CR95/Catimor-like group and perhaps also
the “Unlabeled” group.
Two alternate or complementary explanations for inter-varietal individuals could be proposed. Firstly, there are reports of the Mondo Novo variety being introduced to Haiti, though
it is said to have failed to establish in the fields [50]. Survival of this cross between the Typica
and Bourbon varieties may account for some of the admixed individuals in Haitian farms. As
such individuals were present in all diversified farms, their production may also be taking
place in nurseries or in certain specific farms from which they are spread through networks of
seed and seedling exchange. These processes might be strengthened by aforementioned inaccuracies in local assessment of farm varietal composition.
Six admixed samples were identified as having >40% membership from the Ethiopian-like
group (in addition to a single individual from Haiti assigned to that genetic group). One possible source is the Geisha variety, which is known for its high cup quality potential. It was reportedly used in trials in the 1970s [51], though mentions of it are all but absent from subsequent
sources. The Geisha sample in our reference panel was itself considered admixed, with 46.8%
contribution from the Ethiopian-like genetic group.
4.6.6 Robusta coffee: An unreported crop in Haitian CAFS. One farm in the North was
also found to contain C. canephora, a species whose presence in Haiti had not been previously
recorded to our knowledge. C. canephora, or “Robusta coffee”, is the second most economically important Coffea species [23]. In Haiti, it was identified as Kafé Brezil (“Brazil Coffee”),
potentially pointing to an introduction from this country where it is widely cultivated. A report
from the South of Haiti also makes mention of “Brazil Coffee”, referring to it as a new, rustresistant but less productive “variety” [50] rather than another species altogether. The cultivation of Robusta is more recent, and its expansion since the end of the XIXth century is linked,
among others, to the increase in demand for coffee worldwide, the susceptibility of C. arabica
to coffee leaf rust, despite its lower potential cup quality [38]. A recent trend towards increased
cultivation of this species in Latin American countries, where only Arabica was previously
grown, has also been noted [81]. This is due to Robusta’s attractive qualities of greater rust
resistance but also to the fact that it is more resilient to the effects of climate change. Cultivation of C. canephora appears to be relatively rare in Haiti at present.
4.7 Maintenance and generation of diversity in Haitian CAFS: Specificity,
implications and future directions
Harvey et al. [81] noted a trend of widespread replacement of thousands of hectares of traditional varieties in Latin America, by disease-resistant (and especially rust-resistant) cultivars
such as Catimors and Sarchimors, derived from Timor Hybrids. A rise in the intensification of
cultivation was also observed, albeit with a concurrent increase in the area of coffee cultivated
under voluntary sustainability standards. By contrast, disease-resistant varieties have been
introduced to Haitian CAFS in the North and Grande-Anse departments, but have not
replaced traditional varieties and indeed appear to have mixed with them under consistently
low-intensity management. This complicates varietal identification and variety-specific
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management in the field, but also allowed for the generation of considerable genetic diversity,
as revealed by our analyses.
In addition to resistant cultivars, F1 hybrids bred for heterosis from traditional varieties
and more distant Ethiopian accessions have been developed [82]. These hybrids are increasingly promoted as a response to concerns over quality, productivity, disease resistance, and the
need for ecologically sustainable shade-adapted coffee plants. In a study of acceptance by Central American farmers, these hybrids, when available, were found to be attractive [83]. However, they come with the caveat that the vast majority of them do not breed true, and must
therefore be propagated clonally or purchased. This is important given the economic context
and management system in Haitian CAFS. Indeed, any prospect of importing such hybrids
must consider that the dynamic process of genetic mixing and seedling recruitment taking
place in Haitian CAFS might lead to unexpected outcomes.
The considerable Arabica genetic diversity found in Haitian CAFS may contribute to the
coffee sector’s continued survival despite the considerable challenges it faces by providing
potential for adaptation to biotic and abiotic stressors. Furthermore, given the process of
genetic mixing among genetic groups in Haitian CAFS, this environmental pressure could
promote processes of natural selection and adaptation. This likelihood is increased by the presence in various farms of rust-resistant cultivars such as Catimor (and possibly the “Unlabeled”
group). In addition, this process could be supplemented by human-mediated selection of
select, agronomically attractive plants to conserve, propagate and exchange [84]. Measures of
the production potential and pest and disease burden at the plant and farm level in Haitian
CAFS are needed to test these hypotheses. In addition, admixed individuals should be investigated for their potential agronomic performances and organoleptic qualities in the search for
genotypes of interest. Finally, propagation networks should also be studied to better understand the processes of genetic diversification in Haitian CAFS.
4.8 Leveraging Haitian coffee diversity
Increased understanding of the diversity and varietal composition identification of Haitian
CAFS can better support farmers’ decision-making and inform field management, as varieties
differ in their agronomic characteristics and requirements [73]. For instance, farmers interested in accessing specialty coffee markets may choose to focus on varieties with higher cup
quality or historical-cultural value such as the Typica Vieux Café despite lower yields and
higher pest and disease pressure. By contrast, those interested in producing dry-processed coffee beans for local markets may instead value higher-yielding genotypes that are more resistant
to disease such as Catimor, and those for whom coffee is not a priority crop in their diverse
CAFS may focus on plants tolerant of neglect. Furthermore, given that potential coffee cup
quality is partially genetically determined [29,85,86], increased accuracy in the knowledge of
farms’ standing diversity and varietal makeup can help inform the commercialization of harvested coffee beans by better describing the varietal blends produced at a farm or regional
level. Finally, this knowledge can allow CAFS to function as in-situ conservatories of the country’s coffee germplasm resource [36], as well as sources for their propagation and dissemination. This can occasion a shift of farmers’ perceived role from mere purveyors of economic
product to active participants in the management of the country’s genetic resources.
4.9 Conclusion
Our results indicate that Haitian coffee farms act not only as repositories of heritage varieties,
but as generators of new genotypic combinations. This study is among the first to study in-situ
coffee variety mixtures in general and to characterize that of Haitian coffee farms in particular.
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Variety mixtures and genetic diversity in Haitian coffee agroforestry systems
The Haitian coffee sector would benefit from further studies, including phenotypic characterization which may help identify genetic material that is particularly well adapted to the local
ecological and agronomic conditions. Future directions may also include the establishment of
a Haitian germplasm conservation center. This genetic heritage contributes to the potential for
renewal of the Haitian coffee sector which may in turn help maintain the provision of crucial
ecosystem services by agroforestry systems. Shade-grown coffee could thus help safeguard Haitian biodiversity and improve community resilience and food security.
Supporting information
S1 Table. Name, location and number of samples for each study site.
(DOCX)
S2 Table. List of sample accessions used as references in the study. List of reference samples
by code and accession name, country and region of origin (when this information is known to
the authors), and name of the holding institution whose collection the sample was acquired
from.
(DOCX)
S3 Table. Haitian C. arabica diversity statistics calculated on SNP genotyping data for the
sampled departments of Nord (N) and Grande-Anse (G), and both combined (N+G): Sample size, observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (= gene diversity, He), Fixation index (as FIS) and percent marker polymorphism (% P).
(DOCX)
S4 Table. Haitian C. arabica diversity statistics calculated on SNP genotyping data for the
sampled municipalities (communes) in the Nord (N) and Grande-Anse (GA) departments:
Sample size (N), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (= gene diversity,
He), Fixation index (as FIS) and percent marker polymorphism (% P).
(DOCX)
S5 Table. Haitian C. arabica diversity statistics for the sampled farms in the Nord (N) and
Grande-Anse (G) departments, based on SNP genotyping data: Sample size (N), observed
heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (= gene diversity, He), Fixation index (as FIS)
and percent marker polymorphism (% P).
(DOCX)
S6 Table. Pairwise FST values between Haitian C. arabica sampled in municipalities (communes, M) of two departments (D), calculated from KASP SNP genotyping data.
(DOCX)
S7 Table. Pairwise FST values between Haitian C. arabica sampled in farms (F) from five
municipalities (M) and two departments (D), calculated from KASP SNP genotyping data.
(DOCX)
S8 Table. Correspondence between genetic groups defined on KASP SNP genotyping or
HiPlex haplotype data.
(DOCX)
S1 Fig. Expected heterozygosity (He) calculated on HiPlex haplotypes versus KASP SNP
genotyping.
(DOCX)
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Variety mixtures and genetic diversity in Haitian coffee agroforestry systems
S2 Fig. Unweighted neighbor-joining dendrogram of Haitian coffee samples and reference
samples from collections (“C”) based on HiPlex haplotypes.
(DOCX)
S3 Fig. Unweighted neighbor-joining dendrogram of Haitian Robusta coffee trees and reference samples. Supplementary Note: HiPlex read processing bioinformatics pipeline.
(DOCX)
Acknowledgments
First and most importantly, the authors wish to thank the Haitian farmers who have welcomed
us into their fields and given access to them. We would also like to thank the AVSF and
PITAG teams who provided logistical support throughout the sampling process, especially
Rochelin Pierre-Louis, Franndy Mulatre and Agronome Magency, as well as the Haitian Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR) who pilots the
PITAG project and provided the permits for exporting genetic material. We also thank Chifumi Nagai and Ming-Li Wang for providing the HARC reference samples and passport information. We also express our sincere gratitude to Vincent Soulé and Kurt Lamour for their
assistance with molecular lab methods, to Adeline Barnaud, Julie Orjuela and Yves Bawin for
their scientific insights, and to Louis Champion and Killian Laurent for their software help.
We wish to acknowledge the ISO 9001 certified IRD i-Trop HPC (member of the South Green
Platform) at IRD Montpellier for providing HPC resources that have contributed to the
research results reported within this paper. URL: https://bioinfo.ird.fr/- http://www.
southgreen.fr”.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization: Claude Patrick Millet, Clémentine Allinne, Pierre Marraccini, Tom Ruttink, Dapeng Zhang, Valérie Poncet.
Data curation: Claude Patrick Millet, Dapeng Zhang, Valérie Poncet.
Formal analysis: Claude Patrick Millet, Lauren Verleysen, Valérie Poncet.
Funding acquisition: Clémentine Allinne, Wesly Jeune.
Investigation: Claude Patrick Millet, Clémentine Allinne, Valérie Poncet.
Methodology: Claude Patrick Millet, Clémentine Allinne, Tram Vi, Lauren Verleysen, Marie
Couderc, Dapeng Zhang, Christine Tranchant-Dubreuil, Valérie Poncet.
Project administration: Clémentine Allinne, William Solano Sanchéz, Wesly Jeune.
Resources: Claude Patrick Millet, Clémentine Allinne, William Solano Sanchéz, Wesly Jeune.
Software: Claude Patrick Millet, Tram Vi, Lauren Verleysen.
Supervision: Clémentine Allinne, Pierre Marraccini, Marie Couderc, Tom Ruttink, Christine
Tranchant-Dubreuil, Valérie Poncet.
Validation: Claude Patrick Millet, Clémentine Allinne, Valérie Poncet.
Visualization: Claude Patrick Millet.
Writing – original draft: Claude Patrick Millet.
Writing – review & editing: Claude Patrick Millet, Clémentine Allinne, Lauren Verleysen,
Tom Ruttink, Dapeng Zhang, Wesly Jeune, Valérie Poncet.
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