Led by IHCAFE, in Honduras, with support from MOCCA and USDA.
In the world of coffee growing, coffee rust, caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, represents one of the main threats to this crop. This disease, which feeds on the living cells of the plant, can cause leaf fall, loss of quality and yield, and can even cause up to 35% loss in production.
In Honduras, where all commercial coffee varieties are susceptible to coffee rust, the management of this disease has focused mainly on the use of fungicides. However, efforts by entities such as the Honduran Coffee Institute (IHCAFE) highlight the use of varieties resistant to the disease as an efficient measure that reduces the need to use pesticides and is more economical for producers.
“Research like this provides even more technical support for the selection and subsequent release of varieties in Honduras and the region. It is very important to know the behavior of introduced and under-development varieties against coffee rust, as it will allow us to make the best options in terms of genetic material available to producers,” Cristian Yizard Lizardo, Head of the Research and Development Department.
To address this issue, a study supported by MOCCA was carried out to evaluate the resistance to coffee rust of five coffee varieties, four originating in Brazil and one from Guatemala, with high potential for release in Honduras. The main objective of the study was to characterize the vertical and/or horizontal resistance of these varieties to six races or pathotypes of coffee rust present in the region.
The preliminary results of the study reveal important findings. H. vastatrix strains have been found to possess a high number of virulence factors, making them very complex and capable of causing the disease in a wide number of coffee genotypes. In addition, pathotypes capable of breaking resistance in varieties that should theoretically be resistant have been identified.
MOCCA is a 7-year initiative funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food for Progress Program, which seeks to improve agricultural productivity and expand trade in agricultural products. The MOCCA project is being executed by a consortium led by TechnoServe. Lutheran World Relief leads the cocoa activities.
Among the varieties evaluated, it has been observed that some present vertical or complete resistance to the H. vastatrix pathotypes used, while others show susceptibility. The MGS Aranás variety stands out, which has demonstrated 100% immunity to the six rust pathotypes used.
Regarding the susceptible varieties, it has been shown that the Pau Brasil MG1 variety, despite being susceptible to all H. vastatrix pathotypes, shows high horizontal resistance, which makes it a viable option for producers.
Based on these results, it is recommended to continue carrying out similar studies with strains or subpopulations of H. vastatrix from different regions. In addition, the importance of advancing in identification studies and the use of molecular markers for a more precise identification of the races and pathotypes of H. vastatrix is highlighted.
The study represents an important step in the search for coffee varieties that are more resistant to rust, which could significantly contribute to the sustainability and profitability of coffee growing in the region.
