Attached is an alert concerning a tentative identification of coffee leaf rust (CLR) on Hawaii Island.  In summary, a sample of a rust fungus collected at a residence in Hilo, Hawai`i Island, has been tentatively identified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service in Hilo as coffee leaf rust (CLR). Samples will be sent to the USDA National Identification Services to confirm the identity of the causal agent. If confirmed, this will be the first detection on that island.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Mahalo,

Kevin M. Hoffman, Ph.D.
Plant Industry Administrator/State Plant Regulatory Official
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Phone:  808-973-9530 (main office)
Direct:  808-973-9535