Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Hilo, Hawaii » Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center » Tropical Plant Genetic Resources and Disease Research » Research » Research Project #441417

Research Project: Improving Management Strategies to Control Coffee Leaf Rust and Coffee Berry Borer to Improve Yield in Hawaii Grown Coffee

Location: Tropical Plant Genetic Resources and Disease Research

Project Number: 2040-21000-019-006-T
Project Type: Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jan 1, 2022
End Date: Jan 31, 2024

Objective:
The objective of this proposal is to provide practical knowledge on Coffee Leaf Rust spread and disease incidence in Hawaii and determine the best control methods that are compatible for both Coffee Leaf Rust and Coffee Berry Borer in order to prevent the loss of coffee yield to the farmers from these devastating coffee pest and disease.

Approach:
Using both laboratory and field sprays, researchers will determine which management strategies will work best to control Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) and Coffee Berry Borer (CBB). Disease incidence, severity and spread will be evaluated and compared alongside micro-climate data to gain knowledge of the disease cycle for CLR in Hawaii. Single sprays at various time intervals versus mixtures of both the CBB entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and protectant fungicides in both the laboratory and field. The goal of this research will be to provide farmers with management techniques to improve the quality and yield of their coffee harvest.