Coffee berry disease: a threat to Arabica coffee production in Ethiopia

Abstract Ethiopia is the primary center of origin for Arabica coffee ( Coffea arabica L.), which constitutes over two-thirds of global coffee production. However, the economic production of coffee in Ethiopia faces various constraints, with diseases being the most significant challenge. These diseases impact coffee productivity and, consequently, affect both the domestic and international coffee markets. Coffee berry disease (CBD), an anthracnose of young cherries of Arabica coffee caused by Colletotrichum kahawae , has been the major limitation to the economic production of the crop in Ethiopia since its first occurrence in 1971. It has a major impact on coffee yields across all coffee-producing regions of the country, where over 90% of the coffee plants are landraces that remain vulnerable to this disease. CBD is particularly damaging in high-altitude areas and valleys with weather conditions that promote disease spread. On average, national losses due to CBD range from 24 to 30% and in optimal conditions for the disease, damage can be total, reaching 100% in susceptible coffee trees. Significant efforts have been made over the past five decades in studying the etiology, epidemiology, and management of the disease. The use of resistant varieties remains the most practical and effective method for managing CBD in Ethiopia, where there is a de facto ban on synthetic fungicides against the disease. Despite implementing different management strategies, CBD remains an unresolved major challenge to the coffee industry in Ethiopia.