STATUS OF COFFEE LEAF RUST (Hemileia vastatrix) IN JAMAICA COFFEE LEAF RUST WORKSHOP CICAFE, COSTA RICA MARCH 13-14, 2008 Presented by: Louis Campbell.

STATUS OF COFFEE LEAF RUSTSTATUS OF COFFEE LEAF RUST ((Hemileia vastatrixHemileia vastatrix) IN JAMAICA ) IN JAMAICA

COFFEE LEAF RUST WORKSHOPCOFFEE LEAF RUST WORKSHOPCICAFE, COSTA RICACICAFE, COSTA RICAMARCH 13-14, 2008MARCH 13-14, 2008

Presented by: Louis CampbellPresented by: Louis CampbellAdvisory Services Manager Advisory Services Manager

( ( [email protected]@ciboj.org ) )

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Western Region

Central Region Eastern Region

Northern Region Regions

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JAMAICAN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JAMAICAN COFFEE INDUSTRYCOFFEE INDUSTRY

Jamaica’s number 3 foreign export earner Jamaica’s number 3 foreign export earner {Sugar, Banana}{Sugar, Banana}

Employs approx. 100,000 persons at all Employs approx. 100,000 persons at all levelslevels

Important contributor to socio-economic Important contributor to socio-economic development of rural communities development of rural communities

As part of its quality assurance great care is As part of its quality assurance great care is taken to monitoring the type, dosage and taken to monitoring the type, dosage and timing of chemical applicationtiming of chemical application

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JAMAICAN HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JAMAICAN COFFEE INDUSTRY CONT’DCOFFEE INDUSTRY CONT’D

The discovery of the Coffee Berry Borer The discovery of the Coffee Berry Borer ((Hypothenemus hampeiHypothenemus hampei) in 1978 ) in 1978

And then:And then: The Coffee Leaf Rust (The Coffee Leaf Rust (H. vastatrixH. vastatrix) eight ) eight

years later have resulted in great concern years later have resulted in great concern both in terms of the impact of these both in terms of the impact of these destructive agents as well as for the destructive agents as well as for the quality assurance and safety of our coffee quality assurance and safety of our coffee

Coffee Leaf Rust (Coffee Leaf Rust (H. vastatrixH. vastatrix) was ) was discovered in Jamaica in Alston discovered in Jamaica in Alston District in the parish of Clarendon, District in the parish of Clarendon, in July 1986.in July 1986.

Suspected source is Cuba – Suspected source is Cuba – disease found there in 1985.disease found there in 1985.

Alston, Clarendon

By 1987, a survey done by the By 1987, a survey done by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture and the Coffee Industry Board revealed that Coffee Industry Board revealed that it had spread to all major producing it had spread to all major producing zones. Including the low altitude zones. Including the low altitude zone of the Blue Mountains.zone of the Blue Mountains.

Intervention – Research ActivitiesIntervention – Research Activities

In August 1987, funds secured to carry out In August 1987, funds secured to carry out the following studies:the following studies:

1. the epidemiology of the Coffee Leaf 1. the epidemiology of the Coffee Leaf Rust; Rust; 2. Evaluating sampling techniques for 2. Evaluating sampling techniques for research monitoring and field use; andresearch monitoring and field use; and

Intervention – Research Activities Intervention – Research Activities Cont’dCont’d

3.3. to investigate spray technology and to investigate spray technology and calibrating equipment for Coffee Leaf Rustcalibrating equipment for Coffee Leaf Rust

control.control.

Duration of Study: 2 – 3 years.Duration of Study: 2 – 3 years.

Intervention – Research Intervention – Research Activities Cont’dActivities Cont’d

In 1989, samples were sent to the CoffeeIn 1989, samples were sent to the Coffee

Rust Research Centre, Oeiras, Portugal forRust Research Centre, Oeiras, Portugal for

identification. identification.

Results showed that Jamaica had Race II of Results showed that Jamaica had Race II of

the pathogen.the pathogen.

Coffee Leaf Rust Control Programme was Coffee Leaf Rust Control Programme was merged with Coffee Berry Borer control merged with Coffee Berry Borer control spray programmespray programme

Spraying was done April – June in lowland Spraying was done April – June in lowland zone zone

Low altitude Blue Mountain ZoneLow altitude Blue Mountain Zone August – March not covered.August – March not covered.

Areas presently Affected by Areas presently Affected by Coffee Leaf RustCoffee Leaf Rust

Total lowland zone Total lowland zone Low altitude zone of the Blue Mountain Low altitude zone of the Blue Mountain

((≈ 1,500 ft) ≈ 1,500 ft) Medium altitude zone recently infected Medium altitude zone recently infected (2,000 ft) could be due to subtle changes in (2,000 ft) could be due to subtle changes in climate regimeclimate regime

Control MeasuresControl Measures

• Focus (a) Agronomic MeasuresFocus (a) Agronomic Measures

• (b) Chemical Control Measures(b) Chemical Control Measures

The reliance on chemicals only forThe reliance on chemicals only for

controlling the disease has becomecontrolling the disease has become

addictive to some farmers.addictive to some farmers.

They overlook the fact that healthy plants haveThey overlook the fact that healthy plants have

capability to resist attack from the pathogencapability to resist attack from the pathogen

Agronomic MeasuresAgronomic Measures

• Proper timing and application of fertilizersProper timing and application of fertilizers

• Pruning of dead and damaged branches Pruning of dead and damaged branches after reaping or wind damageafter reaping or wind damage

• Gormandizing (removal of suckers)Gormandizing (removal of suckers)

• Removal of pruned material from root zoneRemoval of pruned material from root zone

• General cleaning and weeding on farmGeneral cleaning and weeding on farm

• Removal of laterals that lay on soil surfaceRemoval of laterals that lay on soil surface

Agronomic Measures Cont’dAgronomic Measures Cont’d

• Adopt a wider planting distance 10’ Adopt a wider planting distance 10’ between rows x 5’ along the rowsbetween rows x 5’ along the rows

• Plant one seedling per holePlant one seedling per hole

• Proper shade managementProper shade management

• Maintain proper drainage systemMaintain proper drainage system

Chemical MeasuresChemical Measures

Wide range of chemicals have been tested. Wide range of chemicals have been tested. The most successfully used ones are The most successfully used ones are indicated below:indicated below:

Pre 1995:Pre 1995:

Copper Oxy-chlorideCopper Oxy-chloride

Copper HydroxideCopper Hydroxide

Bayleton (Triadimefon)Bayleton (Triadimefon)

Chemical Measures Cont’dChemical Measures Cont’dPresent:Present:

BrandBrand Common NameCommon Name

Rate of Rate of ApplicationApplication

KocideKocide Copper HydroxideCopper Hydroxide 4 lbs/acre4 lbs/acre

ChampionChampion Copper HydroxideCopper Hydroxide 4 lbs/acre4 lbs/acre

TiltTilt PropiconazolePropiconazole 300-350 ml/ac300-350 ml/ac

AnvilAnvil HexaconazoleHexaconazole 160-200 ml/ac160-200 ml/ac

PhytonPhyton Cupric SulphateCupric Sulphate 400-500 ml/ac400-500 ml/ac

DISEASE PROGRESS CURVE FOR COFFEE LEAF RUST

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

MONTHS OF THE YEAR

% D

ISEA

SED

LEAF

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

PREC

IPIT

ATIO

N m

m (

X 10

) Precipitation

Infection

Recommended TreatmentRecommended Treatment

(a)(a) One application during reaping One application during reaping

in September (systemic)in September (systemic)

(b) One application after reaping is complete (b) One application after reaping is complete between December & January (contact)between December & January (contact)

along with field sanitation, pruning – along with field sanitation, pruning – shade reductionshade reduction

(c) Treatment before flowering in March (c) Treatment before flowering in March (contact)(contact)

Recommended Treatment Cont’dRecommended Treatment Cont’d

(d) Treatment prior to rain season in May (d) Treatment prior to rain season in May

along with CBB control programme along with CBB control programme

(contact); and(contact); and

(e) Treatment in July after rainfall season (e) Treatment in July after rainfall season

(contact).(contact).

Genetic ControlGenetic Control

Arabica typicaArabica typica is the predominant variety is the predominant variety

grown in Jamaica. grown in Jamaica.

It is highly susceptible to CLR It is highly susceptible to CLR

The industry introduced hybrids fromThe industry introduced hybrids from

Turrialba, Costa RicaTurrialba, Costa Rica

Genetic Control Cont’dGenetic Control Cont’d

Hybrid introduced - 1980’s & early 1990’sHybrid introduced - 1980’s & early 1990’sPredominantly: Hybrid De Timor x CaturraPredominantly: Hybrid De Timor x Caturracrossescrosses

Hybrids: e.g. Hybrids: e.g. T5157, T5159 & 2308T5157, T5159 & 2308Only resistant to some races of RustOnly resistant to some races of RustHowever, taste, beans size & shape did notHowever, taste, beans size & shape did notconform to our Jamaican coffee profile. As conform to our Jamaican coffee profile. As

such propagation of these hybrids have such propagation of these hybrids have been discouraged.been discouraged.

Total Estimated Annual LossTotal Estimated Annual Loss

US$2.70 + 0.574 + 0.162 = US$3.436milUS$2.70 + 0.574 + 0.162 = US$3.436mil

There are 14,000 acres of coffee in Jamaica There are 14,000 acres of coffee in Jamaica ≈ ≈ estimated 9,000 acres affected by CLRestimated 9,000 acres affected by CLR- Assume loss of 10 bxs/ac annuallyAssume loss of 10 bxs/ac annually- 9,000 acs x 10 bxs = 90,000 boxes9,000 acs x 10 bxs = 90,000 boxes- Assume conversion of 5 lbs saleable beans/box Assume conversion of 5 lbs saleable beans/box

= 450,000 lbs= 450,000 lbs- Estimate price/lb for green bean at US$6.00Estimate price/lb for green bean at US$6.00- Total loss due to CLR = US$2.70mil/yrTotal loss due to CLR = US$2.70mil/yr

Total Estimated Annual Loss Cont’dTotal Estimated Annual Loss Cont’d

Loss of mature bearing plantsLoss of mature bearing plants

≈ ≈ 100 acres lost annually100 acres lost annually

872 plants x 100 acs = 87,200 plants872 plants x 100 acs = 87,200 plants

value/mature plant = US$6.60value/mature plant = US$6.60

Loss = US$6.60 x 87,200Loss = US$6.60 x 87,200

US$0.574milUS$0.574mil

Total Estimated Annual Loss Cont’dTotal Estimated Annual Loss Cont’d

Loss of young immature plantsLoss of young immature plants

≈ ≈ 50 acres loss annually 50 acres loss annually

872 plants x 50 ac 43,600 plants872 plants x 50 ac 43,600 plants

value/immature plant = US$3.72value/immature plant = US$3.72

loss US$3.72 x 43,600 = US$0.162milloss US$3.72 x 43,600 = US$0.162mil

Conversion J$71.00 = US$1.00Conversion J$71.00 = US$1.00

Cost IncurredCost Incurred• Slight to moderate infectionSlight to moderate infectionLabour - 2 md/ac @ 1000/md $2,000Labour - 2 md/ac @ 1000/md $2,000Material - Champion/Kocide $650/lbMaterial - Champion/Kocide $650/lb x 4 lbs/application /acx 4 lbs/application /ac $2,600$2,600

Sticker 50 ml/drumSticker 50 ml/drum $ 150$ 150

Equipment – Pump (hire) $700/day $ 700Equipment – Pump (hire) $700/day $ 700Water $ 300Water $ 300Transportation $ 500 Transportation $ 500 Lubricants & GasLubricants & Gas $ 500$ 500

$6,750 $6,750 2 application per ac = $13,500 (US$190) 2 application per ac = $13,500 (US$190)

Cost Incurred Cont’dCost Incurred Cont’d

Assumed 9,000 acres affectedAssumed 9,000 acres affected

Basic Cost/ac for 2 cycles = J$13,500 Basic Cost/ac for 2 cycles = J$13,500 (US$190)(US$190)

US$190 x 9,000 acs = US$1.71milUS$190 x 9,000 acs = US$1.71mil

Decline in Production 1987-2007Decline in Production 1987-2007(Lowland zone)(Lowland zone)

YearYear No. of FarmsNo. of Farms AcreageAcreage ProductionProduction

Saleable BoxesSaleable Boxes

19871987 9,0009,000 10,47510,475 261,000261,000

19971997 5,0005,000 4,2704,270 106,000106,000

20072007 1,7001,700 3,0003,000 81,00081,000

Decline in Production 1987-2007Decline in Production 1987-2007(Lowland zone) Cont’d(Lowland zone) Cont’d

1987 1997 2007

261,000

106,00081,000

050000

100000150000200000250000300000

1 2 3

Year

Pro

du

cti

on

Year

Production

Reasons for Decline in Reasons for Decline in Production/AcreageProduction/Acreage

• Impact of Coffee Leaf RustImpact of Coffee Leaf Rust

• Hurricane Damage (1988)Hurricane Damage (1988)

• Low return on investmentLow return on investment

• Banana Industry decline during 1990’s; Banana Industry decline during 1990’s; hence the increase of CLR.hence the increase of CLR.

Some ChallengesSome Challenges1.1. Growers reluctance to implement Growers reluctance to implement agronomic interventions to control the agronomic interventions to control the disease;disease;2. High cost of implementing chemical 2. High cost of implementing chemical control measures; control measures; 3.3. High cost of plant nutrients; andHigh cost of plant nutrients; and4.4. Farmers inability to access spray Farmers inability to access spray equipment.equipment. 5. Inadequate research on the various races of 5. Inadequate research on the various races of

the pathogenthe pathogen

RecommendationsRecommendations

1.1. Seek local and international funding to Seek local and international funding to implement a national CLR control programme;implement a national CLR control programme;

2.2. Breed rust resistant variety with desirable Breed rust resistant variety with desirable (Blue Mountain) taste profile;(Blue Mountain) taste profile;

3.3. Intensify research work on the identification, Intensify research work on the identification, epidemiology and control of the local races of epidemiology and control of the local races of the pathogen;the pathogen;

4.4. Increase collaboration with Regional Increase collaboration with Regional universities and Coffee Research Institution.universities and Coffee Research Institution.

Recommendations cont’dRecommendations cont’d

Greater collaboration with Chemical Greater collaboration with Chemical CompaniesCompanies

Need for research (molecular marker) Need for research (molecular marker) aimed at improving Typica’s resistance aimed at improving Typica’s resistance without reducing it’s quality traitswithout reducing it’s quality traits

ConclusionConclusion

Amidst all the challenges that the regionAmidst all the challenges that the region

coffee industries face, we must rise to thecoffee industries face, we must rise to the

occasion and combat this disease in order tooccasion and combat this disease in order to

save our economies and to sustain thesave our economies and to sustain the

livelihood of all stakeholders.livelihood of all stakeholders.

THANK YOU.THANK YOU.