Robusta Coffee with Anthracnose: Prevention & Cure
Coffea canephora
Anthracnose on Robusta Coffee: What to Know?
Anthracnose on Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) is a fungal condition with high severity. Robusta Coffee has moderate susceptibility to this disease. Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark...
Robusta Coffee is a medium-care plant. Recovery from Anthracnose takes approximately 14 days with proper treatment. As an indoor plant, ensure good ventilation to aid recovery.
Unlike bacterial infections, Anthracnose on Robusta Coffee can be managed with organic fungicides. Without precautions, chemical treatments for Anthracnose can be harmful to pets. Use organic methods for Robusta Coffee in pet-friendly homes.
ð What Does Anthracnose Look Like on Robusta Coffee?
- âĒ Small irregular yellow or brown spots on leaves
- âĒ Dark sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers and fruits
- âĒ Water-soaked lesions that darken as they age
- âĒ Pink gelatinous masses of spores in lesion centers during warm, moist weather
- âĒ Spots that expand and may cover entire leaves
- âĒ Defoliation in advanced stages
â What Causes Anthracnose on Robusta Coffee?
- â Caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum
- â Cool wet weather promotes development
- â Optimum temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- â Foliage wet for extended periods of time
- â Fungi overwinter in seeds, soil and garden debris
- â Spores spread through water droplets
ð How to Treat Anthracnose on Robusta Coffee?
TLDR: Treat Anthracnose on Robusta Coffee with quick treatment (~7 days) or organic (~14 days). Robusta Coffee has moderate susceptibility to this disease.
Quick Fixes
Remove and discard all visibly infected parts
Remove and discard all visibly infected parts
Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)
Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)
Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage
Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage
Second application of systemic fungicide
Second application of systemic fungicide
Assess treatment effectiveness
Assess treatment effectiveness
Organic Treatment
Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag
Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag
Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces
Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces
Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting
Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting
Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil
Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil
Assess progress and remove any new lesions
Assess progress and remove any new lesions
Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring
Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring
ðĄïļ How to Prevent Anthracnose on Robusta Coffee?
TLDR: Prevent Anthracnose on Robusta Coffee with 8 essential preventive care practices.
- â Implement drip irrigation instead of overhead watering
- â Give plants enough room to breathe and reduce humidity
- â Remove infected plant material after harvest
- â Practice crop rotation between hosts and non-hosts
- â Choose resistant plant varieties when possible
- â Use western grown seeds not exposed to the disease
- â Avoid wetting foliage during watering
- â Ensure good air circulation around plants
ðą How to Care for Robusta Coffee to Prevent Anthracnose?
ð§ How to Water
Water every 5â7 days, keeping the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. During hot periods increase frequency as needed. Reduce watering in winter to stimulate flowering.
âïļ Lighting
Place in bright indirect light near an east- or west-facing window. Robusta tolerates gentle full sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun that may scorch leaves. Outdoors, a lightly shaded position is ideal.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use rich, well-draining organic soil with a pH of 5.0â6.5. A mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite (3:2:1) works well. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils.
Frequently asked questions
Can Anthracnose kill my Robusta Coffee?
How long does Robusta Coffee take to recover from Anthracnose?
Is Anthracnose contagious to other plants near Robusta Coffee?
Sources & References
- Anthracnose: Identification, Prevention & Treatment | Gardening Know How
- Anthracnose: How to Identify, Control, and Prevent Anthracnose | The Old Farmer's Almanac
- Anthracnose Disease: Symptoms, Treatment and Control | Planet Natural
- Anthracnose: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment Methods
- How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Anthracnose
- Coffea canephora - Wikipedia
- Coffea canephora - Useful Tropical Plants
- ASPCA Toxic Plants - Coffee
- Pests and Diseases of Robusta Coffee in Uganda - CCSE