Evaluation of Grafting Success and Morphological Traits of Liberica Coffee Clones MKL 1, MKL 5, MKL 6, and MKL 7 for Optimized Rootstock Selection

This study evaluated four Liberica coffee clones MKL 1, MKL 5, MKL 6, and MKL 7 for their morphological traits, grafting compatibility, and genetic characteristics to identify optimal rootstocks for coffee cultivation. Morphological analysis identified MKL 6 as the tallest clone, significantly surpassing MKL 7 in plant height, while showing comparable stem diameter and root length to MKL 1 and MKL 5. Grafting trials using MKL 8 scions demonstrated that MKL 6 achieved the highest grafting success, with a 93% success rate and an 88% survival rate 90 days post-grafting, outperforming the other clones. Molecular analysis using SSR markers revealed notable genetic variations among the open-pollinated MKL 5, MKL 6, and MKL 7 rootstocks compared to their parent plants. Despite these genetic differences, seedling performance and graft compatibility remained largely unaffected, highlighting the robustness of these clones for coffee production. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting rootstocks based on both morphological traits and grafting performance to optimize coffee cultivation practices. Future research should investigate broader genetic studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying graft compatibility and further refine rootstock selection strategies. Additionally, exploring environmental impacts on morphological traits and genetic expression will enhance understanding of the adaptability of Liberica coffee clones across diverse agroecological conditions. This comprehensive evaluation offers valuable insights for improving coffee crop management through informed rootstock selection, contributing to sustainable and efficient coffee production systems.