Work

Epidemiology of coffee leaf rust under the effect of fungicides in the Northern and Northeastern Sierra of Puebla state

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objective. Coffee leaf rust is the primary disease affecting this crop. The objective was to evaluate the incidence and severity of coffee leaf rust under the influence of a systemic fungicide and two biofungicides on varieties cultivated in the Northern and Northeastern Sierra regions of Puebla. Experimental development. The effects of Azoxystrobin, Melaleuca alternifolia, and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated across six shade-grown plots featuring the Typica, Costa Rica 95, Garnica, Marsellesa, and Oro Azteca varieties, located in Huehuetla, Ixtepec, and Zongozotla. Sixteen sampling events were conducted, for each, of evaluation rust incidence and severity, shade percentage, the weight of 100 ripe cherries, and altitude were assessed. Additionally, temperature and relative humidity were recorded in Huehuetla. Incidence and severity were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) method. Furthermore, the correlation of these variables with altitude and shade percentage was analyzed. Cherry weight data underwent analysis of variance and mean comparison, while a risk analysis was performed using the climatic variables. Results. Rust reached maximum severity and incidence (19.9 and 100%, respectively) in the Typica variety (March 2025). Azoxystrobin significantly reduced the disease, followed by M. alternifolia and B. subtilis. No influence of shade on incidence (r=0.33360) or severity (r=0.30735) was identified. In contrast, altitude showed a moderate negative correlation with incidence (r=-0.4632, p<0.0001) and with severity (r=-0.57433, p<0.0001). The Typica and Garnica varieties were the most susceptible. Conclusion. The fungicides demonstrated control of the disease compared to the control treatment; therefore, they could be considered for the management of H. vastatrix.

Source: Revista mexicana de fitopatología(en línea)/Revista mexicana de fitopatología

DOI: 10.18781/r.mex.fit.2603-3

Authors: Miguel José Luna Alvarez, Martin Aguilar Tlatelpa, Marja Liza Fajardo Franco

Institution: Universidad Intercultural del Estado de Puebla

Language: English

Topic: Fungal Plant Pathogen Control

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7204100285