What are the main diseases affecting coffee plants?

Coffee plants are susceptible to a range of fungal, bacterial, and pest-related threats that can cause serious crop losses. The three most economically significant are Coffee Leaf Rust, Coffee Berry Disease, and the Coffee Berry Borer - each with its own entry in this glossary.

Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), caused by Hemileia vastatrix, attacks leaves and can cause complete defoliation if unmanaged. It's the most widespread and economically damaging coffee disease globally and the primary driver of breeding programmes worldwide.

Coffee Berry Disease (CBD), caused by Colletotrichum kahawae, is most prevalent in East Africa, causing cherries to blacken and drop before ripening. The Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is a small beetle rather than a disease, but causes equally devastating losses by destroying the bean from inside the cherry.

Other significant threats include Fusarium wilt, Cercospora leaf spot, and various root rot conditions. All are managed through combinations of resistant varietals, fungicide and pesticide programmes, and good agricultural practice.