23 LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES USING HÍBRIDO DE TIMOR (HDT) AS A GLOBAL COFFEE CLONE

This book explores the historical, genetic, and agronomic significance of Híbrido de Timor (HDT) in the development of coffee systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. Beginning with the region’s position in the global coffee industry, the book traces the origin and worldwide relevance of HDT as a natural Arabica × Canephora hybrid that became an essential source of resistance to coffee leaf rust. It explains the genetic character of HDT, its role in coffee breeding, and its contribution as the parent material of important varieties such as Catimor and Sarchimor. Through discussions on international research networks, including CIFC Portugal, CATIE, IICA, and national coffee institutions, the book presents HDT not only as a coffee clone, but also as a strategic genetic resource for improving productivity, disease resistance, and farm resilience.

Covering 23 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, this book provides a regional and country-based analysis of HDT introduction, adaptation, and impact. It examines how Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia, Brazil, the Andes, and even non-traditional coffee regions integrated HDT-derived varieties into their coffee development programs. The discussion highlights the social, economic, environmental, and market implications of HDT adoption, especially for smallholder farmers and national coffee industries facing disease outbreaks, quality challenges, and climate change. By comparing introduction pathways, breeding outcomes, institutional support, and future prospects, this book offers a comprehensive reference for students, researchers, policymakers, and coffee practitioners interested in sustainable coffee genetic resources and the future of resilient coffee production.