What are coffee diseases?
Coffee diseases are a significant threat to coffee cultivation and can cause substantial economic damage. Coffea Arabica is vulnerable to various diseases, including Coffee Berry Disease, Coffee Berry Borer, and Coffee Leaf Rust, among others. Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) causes premature cherry death, and the cherries drop to the ground before they ripen. Coffee Berry Borer (CBB), also known as Broca, damages the coffee bean, making it unmarketable. Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) affects the coffee leaves, reducing the tree's photosynthetic capacity, resulting in lower yield and quality. These diseases can be transmitted by wind, insects, and seed, and managing them requires a combination of prevention, detection, and control measures, including cultural practices, fungicides, and pesticides. Farmers must be vigilant in monitoring their crops, implementing disease management strategies, and staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices to ensure the health and sustainability of their coffee farms.
Common Coffee Diseases
Coffee Disease | Symptoms |
Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) | Results in cherry dying and dropping to the ground before it is ripe. |
Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) | The borer larvae tunnel through the bean, causing damage to the coffee crop. |
Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) | A fungal disease that appears as orange-yellow spots on the leaves, causing defoliation and reducing yield. |
Coffee Wilt Disease (CWD) | A soil-borne disease that causes wilting of coffee trees, leading to death. |
Coffee Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) | Small, worm-like parasites that feed on the roots of coffee plants, causing reduced growth and yield. |
Coffee Ringspot Virus (CoRSV) | Causes chlorotic ring spots on leaves and can lead to stunted growth and reduced yield. |
Coffee Black Twig Borer (CTB) | Larvae bore into the coffee plant, causing damage and reducing yield. |
Note that this is not an exhaustive list, as there are many other diseases that can affect coffee plants.