The entire history and market of coffee in Brazil were built thanks to many who dedicated their lives to coffee trees. In this post, we’ll highlight the life of Alcides Carvalho.
A Brazilian geneticist who became a specialist in coffee plant improvement, his research was fundamental in making Brazil one of the main coffee producers in the world.
Continue reading and discover more about the life and contributions of Alcides Carvalho to Brazilian coffee cultivation.
Who Was Alcides Carvalho? A Brief Biography
Born in 1913, in the city of Piracicaba - SP, Alcides Carvalho was raised on a coffee farm, which led him to study agronomy.
He graduated in 1934 and one year later was invited to work as a researcher at IAC - the Agronomic Institute of Campinas, working in the genetics department where the focus would be coffee and corn.
This sector of the IAC was in its early days, beginning its work based on research in cytology, genetics, reproduction, and evolution of plant varieties.
And that’s how Alcides dedicated 50 years of his life, enriching scientific publications on the subject and contributing to the development of more than 60 coffee varieties!
“I had the rare opportunity to work with coffee my entire life. I thought it was extremely important to work with a plant that brought so much wealth to Sao Paulo. I didn’t have a special calling. I liked the idea, the plant, and I kept working.” - Alcides Carvalho, 1913 - 1993.
The Legacy of Alcides Carvalho
Undeniably, Alcides Carvalho left an important legacy for the study and development of coffee.
He published about 250 articles in specialized journals, co-authored books, and developed educational materials for undergraduate and graduate courses.
He became head of the genetics department at age 35 and remained in that position for 33 years. He also specialized in Genetics, Evolution, and Cytogenetics in New York.
Perhaps one of his most significant contributions was his research in partnership with the Coffee Rust Research Center of Portugal.
This research prepared Brazil against coffee rust, which when it arrived in Brazil in 1970, was mitigated thanks to his studies.
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Results of His Work
Alcides Carvalho delved deeply into the study of arabica coffee, given that in his time it was not yet as valued in the market.
His research contributed to the creation of the catuai coffee, and from then on, his varieties revolutionized Brazilian coffee cultivation.
This was because more resistant plantations were formed, fulfilling the institute’s goal of helping Brazil become more competitive in the international coffee market.
The crossing of these plants gave rise to one of the most complete banks of coffee species and varieties in the world.
While still alive, Alcides Carvalho received several awards recognizing his contribution to coffee cultivation. One of them, for example, was having the honor of receiving Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Brazil and her stop at the IAC.
Awards
As the fruit of much study, work, and dedication, the Brazilian scientist received the following awards:
- 1976 - “Honoris Causa” Doctorate, from the Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”/USP;
- 1982 - National Science and Technology Award, from CNPq;
- 1983 - Emeritus Server of the State of Sao Paulo;
- 1984 - Luiz de Queiroz Medal, from the Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”;
- 1987 - Title of Centennial Agronomist of the Agronomic Institute;
- 1987 - Commander rank conferred by the Presidency of the Republic;
- 1991 - Fellow, by the American Association for the Advancement of Science;
- 1993 - Tribute from the Government of Costa Rica and Brazilian coffee growers.
And in 2001, after his death, the genetics center at IAC named the sector after Alcides Carvalho.
- Watch the video below to learn a bit more about the life of Alcides Carvalho:
What About You? Did You Already Know the Work of This Great Coffee Scientist?
If not, we hope you enjoyed getting to know this great figure who brought so many improvements to coffee cultivation and ultimately to the Brazilian economy.
Our intention as coffee lovers is that you learn not only to appreciate the flavor of this beverage that is so important to Brazil, but also everything it involves.
That’s why our blog is full of information for you to enjoy while savoring your cups of coffee.
Finally, if you enjoyed this text, leave a comment here, share it with those who also have coffee as their passion, and if you’d like, leave us suggestions of what you’d like to see around here!
Cover photo: Press release - Globo Rural