Seasonal dynamics of coffee leaf rust in highland areas in the Brazilian Northeast and its management using fungicides and resistant genotypes

Abstract In the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, coffee has been grown in highland areas, whose climatic conditions differ from other typically producing regions. Despite the large number of small coffee producers and the production potential, there is no information on coffee leaf rust (CLR) epidemic and its management in this region. Thus, this study established the CLR progress curve in highland areas of Brazilian Northeast, and to evaluated some strategies to control the disease, including the use of fungicides and coffee resistant genotypes. In this study, the CLR epidemic showed a temporal progress that differed from the typical production regions in Brazil, starting between April and May, and achieving the maximum intensity between August and September. This progress coincided with the rainy period in the region. The effectiveness of the fungicides to control the disease was variable, and the most effective control was obtained with the application of flutriafol via soil in April, at the beginning of the rainy season. Some coffee genotypes (Tupi IAC 1669-20, Obatã IAC 1669-20, and Katipó) showed resistance to CLR, and should be preferentially cultivated in the highland areas. Our results provide valuable information on CLR in highland areas in Brazilian Northeast. This information will help coffee growers to establish disease management strategies, aiming at an effective control and, consequently, an increased yield in the region.