Hawaii coffee growers and agricultural officials are concerned about the coffee leaf rust (CLR) spreading through the islands.  Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee including the iconic Kona variety.  CLR is a fungus that attacks the leaves of the coffee plant and causes $3 billion worth in damages worldwide.  The disease causes defoliation which can result in a 70% decrease in coffee yield and increase growing costs. Genetics research is being undertaken by a Purdue University professor who is the only academic mycologist specializing in diseases of coffee leaves. Genotyping of the rust populations will help inform pest management and perhaps lead to breeding of more resistant types of coffee.

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Picture Credit Susanne Kuehne 

Posted on 29 March 2022