Update on the Sequencing of the Coffea arabica Variety, Geisha

Coffee traditionally is grown worldwide at equatorial latitudes below 25˚ under very specific growing conditions of acid soils, warm temperatures and high humidity. The environment has a direct effect on the quality and final taste of the berry. The variety Geisha originates from the mountains of the western Ethiopian provinces of Maji and Goldija, near the town of Geisha, and is a selection known for its unique aromatic qualities. Over the last 6 years, this variety has been successfully grown near Santa Barbara, California, 19 ˚ latitude north of any other plantation. We have sampled and sequenced DNA and transcriptomes from this variety. RNA samples from different tissues and developmental stages were collected and sequenced to enhance gene model prediction in combination with ab initio methods. Functional annotations focused on pathways relevant to coffee quality and adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. Resequencing of a panel of 15 Geisha accessions will provide a first glimpse on the genetic variation within this variety and an additional 10 varieties. An understanding of diversity within and among varieties at the whole genome level will be presented. Annotations, structural variants and polymorphisms in candidate genes and pathways associated with coffee quality are being investigated to understand the flavor profiles of Geisha coffee.