Part 7/9:
The Rise of New Coffee Varieties
While the Ethiopian coffee plant species, Coffea arabica, dominated global production, its lack of genetic diversity rendered it vulnerable to disease. The coffee rust crisis of the late 19th century devastated numerous coffee crops, particularly affecting regions in Asia and resulting in a search for high-altitude terrains suitable for alternative cultivations.
In this quest, a new coffee species known as robusta was discovered. This species showed greater resistance to disease and provided higher yields, slowly becoming cultivated around the world. By the start of the 20th century, coffee production surged, leading to dwindling prices and heightened competition among producing nations.