Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) has infested Hawai‘i island and Maui.  The Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture Chairperson has issued an interim rule restricting the movement of coffee and other CLR carriers from Hawai‘i island and Maui.  The interim rule goes into effect on Friday, November 20, 2020.  For more information, please see the attached news release.  For additional detail about the restrictions, the interim rule may be found at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Final-Interim-Rule-20-1-Nov.20.2020.pdf

Mahalo,

County of Hawaii

Department of Research and Development

Marcia Yoshiyama

Economic Development Technician

County of Hawaii 

Department of Research and Development

25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301

Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720

Direct Line: (808) 961-8085

Email: Marcia.Yoshiyama@hawaiicounty.gov

Find help for your small business at www.hawaiicounty.gov/covidbusinesshelp

CLR Sanitation Protocol (PDF)

(Adopted from Rapid Ohia Death Protocol)

As a precaution, please adopt the following decontamination protocols regardless of where you are surveying/gathering materials.

Decontaminate before and after you survey/collect samples.

Never go from a suspected affected site to another site without cleaning your shoes, tools, and vehicle (when possible).

Tools and shoes should be cleaned with 70% rubbing alcohol solution after removal of any surface debris. Correctly label a spray bottle with a Sharpie pen as “70% isopropyl alcohol - Flammable”. Fill the spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol. Always take this bottle with you in any field vehicle for use after all field activities. Store in vehicle in such a manner that it does not spill.

A freshly prepared 10% solution of chlorine bleach and water can be used as long as tools are oiled afterwards, as chlorine bleach will corrode metal tools.

Clothing should be machine washed with detergent in hot water.
Vehicles used in infected areas should be thoroughly cleaned; power washing is recommended.

Please be careful of the alcohol and bleach, and follow all label precautions to prevent damage to your eyes, skin, respiratory system, clothing, and equipment.

Below is an alert concerning the confirmed identification of coffee leaf rust (CLR) on Hawaii Island.  In summary, a sample of a rust fungus collected by a grower on a farm in the Holualoa area, Hawai`i Island, has been confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture National Identification Services as coffee leaf rust (CLR). This is the first confirmed detection on that island.

Please note that two samples sent at the same time from Hilo were determined to be negative for CLR, so the only current confirmed positive sample from Hawaii Island is from the Holualoa area.

HDOA Coffee Leaf Rust Alert

PDF Version

Spraying to Suppress Coffee Leaf Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) (Published Nov. 4, 2020)

Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), Hemileia vastatrix, has been identified in Hawaii. This disease of coffee will cause defoliation, reduced berry size, branch, and tree death. Infections typically start on the lower portion of the tree before reaching the higher leaves. The first symptoms are small, pale yellow spots on the upper surface of leaves (Fig. 1A). On the undersides of leaves, infectious spores appear resembling a patch of yellow- to dark orange-colored powder (Fig. 1B, Fig. 2). These young lesions steadily increase in size with the center of the lesion turning necrotic and brown [1]. Stem and berry infection are rare, but CLR can also affect young seedlings.

Why spray to suppress coffee leaf rust?

Over a three to five-month period, one CLR lesion can produce upwards of 400,000 spores that become airborne and easily spread throughout a farm and between farms. If left untreated, berry production and foliage losses caused by CLR on non-resistant coffee varieties can be significant, ranging between 30% and 80% [4,5]. Yield is completely lost when the tree is killed.

Plant susceptibility to CLR attack increases with berry yield and host density [4]. Field sanitation, proper pruning, fertility, CLR monitoring, and early detection are key for reducing this pathogen threat to tree health and production. When applied properly, and at <5% infection rate of total farm foliage, contact fungicides can be helpful in protecting coffee trees from initial and increased disease severity [10]. While contact fungicides are available for Hawaii coffee producers, currently, there are no approved systemic fungicides for use in Hawaii. Physical removal, containment, and destruction of leaves and branches displaying lesions can help to reduce CLR inoculum and infection [2]. 

Figure 1: Coffee leaf rust on the upper leaf surface (A) and lower leaf surface (B) of coffee.

Brackets e.g. [2], correspond to literature citations found in the Literature Cited section. This publication is expected to evolve as more is learned about coffee leaf rust in Hawaii. 

This document provides suggestions for producers on the use of fungicides for the suppression of CLR on farms and the use of fungicides to reduce establishment severity of the pathogen. Special attention is needed for pesticide resistance management to fungicides with product rotation and proper use. Additional CLR information can be found at www.HawaiiCoffeeEd.com/clr.

Table 1 provides a list of fungicides approved by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for use on coffee in Hawaii and lists CLR on the label. Although there are other fungicides approved for use in Hawaii, unless coffee is listed on the label, you should not use these products on your coffee crop. Failure to adhere to pesticide regulations could result in legal action and fines by regulatory authorities.

Suggestions for preventative and suppression spray applications

THE LABEL IS THE LAW. READ AND FOLLOW PRODUCT LABELS FOR ALL PESTICIDES.

PRODUCT ROTATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO REDUCE THE RISK OF PESTICIDE RESISTANCE BY COFFEE LEAF RUST AND OTHER DISEASES.

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

Follow the label for proper use of PPEs.

Disposable PPEs may be a consideration for use.

Type of sprayer:

• According to experts at CIRAD, a French agricultural research center, motorized sprayers should not be used for initial CLR treatments to contain spores [3].

  o Spores may become airborne and spread if using a high pressure sprayer.

  o Reduce sprayer pressure or change the nozzle to create larger droplets as needed.

• Water quantity per acre will depend on individual spray calibration for your trees and farm. o Calibrate your sprayer by following examples and directions in publications for sprayer calibration [7,8,9].

Figure 2: Close-up of powder- like coffee leaf rust spores on the underside of a coffee leaf.

Where and what to spray:

• Spray the entire coffee tree with emphasis on the undersides and topsides of the leaves.

  o ACLRsporeproducesgermtubes(germinates)thatentertheplantviathestomata,

  which are found on the undersides of leaves [5].

• Spray all producing, non-producing, and seedling coffee plants.

o Good spray coverage is important.
o A slowed walking pace and deliberate spray application may be necessary to achieve complete coverage of the tree foliage and leaf surfaces.

Consult the label about intentional ground spraying.o Field sanitation and early detection of CLR is important.
o CLR mycelium require a living host tissue or cell to remain alive; however, its urediniospores can survive about six weeks and through dry periods [1].

Reduce the development of pesticide resistance to the products listed in Table 1.o It will be more difficult to control diseases with resistance to approved fungicides. o Alternate and rotate the use of fungicides in different FRAC groups as listed in

Table 1.
§ This typically applies to the use of all pesticides unless noted on the label.

o For example, if you use a blue product like Serenade ASO (FRAC Group 44) for your first application, then use a yellow product such as Kocide 3000 (FRAC Group M1) for your next application. Then, switch back to Serenade or rotate to a pink product (FRAC Group BM 02). Avoid using the same colored product in back-to- back applications.

o If your farm is certified organic, an example for rotation is to use a pink product like DoubleNickel LC, then use a yellow product like Badge X2 next. Then, switch back to DoubleNickel LC or rotate to a blue product. Again, avoid using the same colored product in back-to-back applications.

When to spray:

• Avoid spraying during rain, drought, and in high heat, if possible.

• Follow the product label for frequency of application.

  Other additions to the fungicide:

  Consult with the product label before mixing and combining other products with the fungicide.

o Some pesticide products are not compatible with certain additives such as those noted below.

o If the mixture of products causes phytotoxicity on the coffee trees, stop applications immediately.

Sticker/spreader

o Stickers help the product to adhere to the surface and remain on the plant following application. Spreaders and adjuvants help with dispersal and coverage by reducing water surface tension and allowing the droplets to spread and cover more surface area on leaves, branches, berries, etc.

o A spreader could improve spray coverage.

o If anticipating rain, a sticker and spreader could improve spray adhesion and coverage.

• Foliar fertilizerso Consult with the fungicide and foliar fertilizer labels.

• Approved Beauveria bassiana products

o Review the product label and the BioWorks BotaniGard® compatibility chart.

o https://www.bioworksinc.com/wp-content/uploads/products/shared/botanigard-

tank-mix-compatibility.pdf

o According to the above link, tests were not carried out to evaluate impact on the partner product integrity or for plant phytotoxicity.

Spraying to control anthracnose (Colletotrichum sp.) and cercospora leaf spot and berry blotch (Cercospora coffeicola) [5] on coffee as well as CLR:

• Spraying to control Colletotrichum sp., another fungal disease on coffee in Hawaii, may require higher rates than necessary for CLR. Consult the product label.

• Conduct annual or biennial leaf tissue and soil sample tests to determine and prevent plant and soil toxicities when applying copper-based and other products.

  Other important considerations:

Re-entry interval (REI) following a spray application.o Follow the required REI, being especially mindful of pickers and when they will

enter the field for harvest.
o Also, follow any restrictions regarding application before crop harvest. This is

typically referred to on the label as the Pre-Harvest Interval or PHI.

• pH of spray solution.

  o Labels may have warnings for phytotoxicity with low (or high) pH of the spray solution.

• Minimum and maximum rates per application.

o Follow the label rate. Underuse of a product can cause pesticide resistance by the

pest or disease and additional losses if spray applications are ineffective.
o Overuse of a product can cause plant, soil, and environmental toxicities and

hazards, is a violation of product use, and has increased costs to the producer. à Maximum applications per year or season.

o Follow the label instructions.
o Again, overuse of a product can cause plant, soil, and environmental toxicities and

hazards, is a violation of product use, and has increased costs to the producer.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE PESTICIDE PRODUCT LABEL DIRECTIONS.

If you have questions, contact your local Cooperative Extension or statewide coffee agent, Andrea Kawabata, at andreak@hawaii.edu. Texts and photos can be sent to (415) 604-1511.

Acknowledgements:

This publication was created by Andrea Kawabata (UH-CTAHR) and reviewed by Dr. Stuart T. Nakamoto (UH-CTAHR), Dr. Lisa Keith (USDA-ARS), and Suzanne Shriner (industry). Much appreciation to the farmers who provided the photos in this publication.

Literature Cited:

1. Arneson, P.A. 2011. “Coffee rust”. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I- 2000-0718-02.

   http://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/lessons/fungi/Basidiomycetes/Pages/CoffeeRust.

   aspx

2. Avelino, J., and Savary, S. 2004. Effects of crop management patterns on coffee rust epidemics. Plant Pathology, 53, 541–547. https://bsppjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-3059.2004.01067.x

3. Keith, L. Personal communications. 2 November 2020.

4. Koehler, J. 2018. Coffee rust threatens Latin American crop; 150 years ago, it wiped out

   an empire. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/10/16/649155664/coffee-rust-

   threatens-latin-american-crop-150-years-ago-it-wiped-out-an-empire.

5. Kushalappa, A.C. and A.B. Eskes (eds). 1989. Coffee Rust: Epidemiology, Resistance and Management. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida. 345 pp.

6. Nelson, S.C. 2008. Cercospora leaf spot and berry blotch of coffee. Honolulu (HI): University of Hawaii. 6p. (Plant Disease Series; PD-41). https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PD-41.pdf.

7. Thap, C. 2010. Using and calibrating backpack sprayers. In: Montana State University’s Big Sky Small Acres Magazine. pp. 10-11. https://apps.msuextension.org/magazine/assets/docs/Using%20and%20Calibrating%20Ba ckpack%20Sprayers.pdf.

8. Uyeda, J., M. Kawate, J. Coughlin, J. Kam, J. Sugano, S. Fukuda, R. Shimabuku, and K.H. Wang. 2015. Sprayer calibration using the 1/128th method for motorized backpack mist sprayer systems. Honolulu (HI): University of Hawaii. 5p. (Pesticide Risk Reduction Education Series; PRRE-9). https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PRRE-9.pdf.

9. Uyeda, J., J. Sugano, S. Fukuda, M. Kawate, R. Shimabuku, and K.H. Wang. 2013. Sprayer calibration using the 1/128th method for handheld spray gun systems. Honolulu (HI): University of Hawaii. 4p. (Pesticide Risk Reduction Education Series; PRRE-7). https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PRRE-7.pdf. Zambolim, L. 2016. Current status and management of coffee leaf rust in Brazil.

10. Trop. plant pathol. 41, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40858-016-0065-9.

HDOA Field Guide to Coffee Leaf Rust with Sample Form

Original Source of the Article

Posted on Oct 30, 2020 in Main

NR20-16
Oct. 30, 2020

HONOLULU – Coffee leaf rust (CLR) has been confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from coffee plant samples collected on Maui last week. Also, in response to the detection on Maui, Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) staff began statewide surveys and detected suspect plants at a residence in Hilo on Hawai`i Island on Monday. The suspect plants were tentatively identified as infected with CLR by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Hilo late Wednesday. Samples are being sent to the USDA National Identification Services in Maryland for confirmation.

CLR is one of the most devastating pests of coffee plants and is established in all major coffee growing areas of the world, but had not previously been found in Hawai`i prior to its discovery last week on Maui.

“The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture and other partner agencies continue to survey the state to determine the extent of the coffee leaf rust infestation,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, chairperson of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. “We are also trying to determine the pathway of how this fungus was introduced into the state.”

CLR can cause severe defoliation of coffee plants. Infected leaves drop prematurely, greatly reducing the plant’s photosynthetic capacity. Vegetative and berry growth are reduced depending on the intensity of rust in the current year. Long-term effects of rust may include dieback, which can have a significant impact on the following year’s yield, with some researchers estimating losses between 30 percent and 80 percent.

The first observable symptoms are yellow-orange rust spots, appearing on the upper surface of leaves. On the underside of the leaves, infectious spores appear resembling a patch of yellow- to dark orange-colored powder. These young lesions steadily increase in size with the center of the lesion turning necrotic and brown, with the infection eventually progressing up the tree. CLR may also infect young stems and  berries.

While there are fungicides that may be used to help control the fungus, one of the key factors to any pest management program is good sanitation practices. Regular pruning and training of the coffee tree helps to prevent over-cropping and maintain a healthy field. These practices help to improve air circulation and also to open up the canopy to allow proper fungicide spray coverage. Good weed control is an important factor as it keeps competition for vital nutrients low, thereby reducing the susceptibility to the rust.

Coffee leaf rust, Hemileia vastatrix, was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 1869 and is now found in the major coffee-growing regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.

Hawai`i has strict importation rules requiring all imported green coffee beans for roasting and associated packing materials be fumigated prior to entering the state to ensure beans are free of pathogens and insect pests. These rules also subject coffee plants and propagative plant parts to strict quarantine requirements if imported to Hawai`i, including a quarantine on all imported coffee plants for a minimum of one year in a state-run quarantine facility.

To report possible coffee leaf rust infestations on any island, call HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at
(808) 973-9525.

For more information on coffee leaf rust go to the University of Hawai`i, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources webpages at:

https://www.hawaiicoffeeed.com/coffee-leaf-rust—nko.html
http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/Type/h_vasta.htm

Dear Growers and Friends,

Coffee Leaf Rust has been officially confirmed by USDA to be on Maui and has tentatively been found on Hawaii Island. Please see the HDOA press release below for more information.

Growers, please scout your farms for any symptoms of coffee leaf rust. Here is my website and a poster that provides information and images of the disease on coffee trees. 

If you suspect coffee leaf rust on any island, you can call HDOA's Plant Pest Control Branch at (808) 973-9525.

If you have questions about rust, the control of rust, or preventative treatments for this disease, you are welcome to contact me at andreak@hawaii.edu. You can also text me at (415) 604-1511.

Coffee Leaf Rust Sanitation Protocol 
(Adopted from Rapid Ohia Death Protocol and provided by USDA-ARS)

As a precaution, please adopt the following decontamination protocols regardless of where you are
surveying/gathering materials.

Decontaminate before AND after you survey/collect samples. Never go from a suspected affected site to another site without cleaning your shoes, tools, and vehicle (when possible).

Tools and shoes should be cleaned with 70% rubbing alcohol solution after removal of any surface debris. Correctly label a spray bottle with a Sharpie pen as “70% isopropyl alcohol - Flammable”. Fill the spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol. Always take this bottle with you in any field vehicle for use after all field activities. Store in the vehicle in such a manner that it does not spill.

A freshly prepared 10% solution of chlorine bleach and water can be used as long as tools are oiled afterward, as chlorine bleach will corrode metal tools.

Clothing should be machine washed with detergent in hot water. Heat dry in a dryer as well, if possible.

Vehicles used in infected areas should be thoroughly cleaned; power washing is recommended.

Please be careful of the alcohol and bleach, and follow all label precautions to prevent damage to your
eyes, skin, respiratory system, clothing, and equipment.

-Andrea

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT: Martha Spieker (Hirono): 202-365-7943

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Calls for USDA to Swiftly Assist in Response to Identification of Coffee Leaf Rust on Maui

Invasive fungus can decimate entire coffee farms, necessitating a rapid response and early detection 

HONOLULU – Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz, and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Ed Case wrote to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, calling attention to the recent positive identification of Hemileia vastatrix, the fungus that causes Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), on coffee leaves on Maui. This is the first known presence of the fungus in Hawaii. CLR is considered the most economically damaging threat to coffee worldwide.

On October 21, coffee leaves on Maui suspected to be suffering from CLR were submitted to Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture for analysis. Earlier this week on October 26, the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources conducted preliminary analysis that tentatively confirmed the presence of the fungus causing CLR, and USDA National Identification Services recently sent notice officially confirming the fungus’ presence. CLR has also been tentatively detected on coffee plants in Hilo, further emphasizing the need for collaboration and robust resources from the federal government.

“These findings warrant a rapid response to contain and treat the fungus in areas of known infection and monitoring for the presence of the fungus in other areas. The method by which the fungus arrived in Hawaii is unknown at this time, but left unchecked, wherever it becomes established it can decrease the following year productivity of coffee farms from between 30 to 80 percent,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers continued, “We urge USDA to consider providing emergency response resources such as funding set aside from the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721 program to rapidly respond to pest emergencies of high economic consequence, as well as USDA’s coordination, support, and provision of other available tools and resources to state, academic, and coffee industry stakeholders in Hawaii. Putting forward robust resources at this early stage can mean the difference between effective management and decimation of coffee farms in Hawaii.”

“Coffee Leaf Rust has finally made its way to Hawaii and it will take every available resource if Hawaii’s coffee industry is to survive. Layered on top of the COVID crisis, where many producers saw their sales dwindle to nearly nothing, Hawaii risks losing one of its signature crops,” Chris Manfredi, President of the Hawaii Coffee Association said. “It’s important to note that Hawaii’s coffee industry supports thousands of our citizens. It’s an industry that helps preserve open spaces, a culture, a rural lifestyle, and supports Hawaii’s tourism. Hawaii is known for its exceptional coffee quality worldwide. The outpouring of support over the last few days has been remarkable. We look forward to working with our local, state and federal partners and learning from coffee professionals the world over.”

The full letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Perdue:

We are writing to alert you to the recent positive identification of Hemileia vastatrix, the fungus that causes Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), on coffee leaves on Maui. This is the first known presence of CLR, the most economically damaging threat to coffee worldwide, in Hawaii. In order to effectively contain and limit the spread of CLR to other areas of Maui as well as to other islands, robust resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other coordinating partners are necessary to minimize the potentially devastating economic damage this fungus poses to Hawaii’s coffee industry, which has a farm gate value of $54 million.

On October 21, 2020, coffee leaves from managed coffee plants suspected to be suffering from CLR on Maui were submitted to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for laboratory analysis. In response, a survey on October 22 in the area of the original sample resulted in suspect samples being collected at three additional sites, including feral coffee. On October 26 preliminary analyses conducted by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR) on the original sample confirmed the presence of the CLR-causing fungus, which was then followed by USDA National Identification Services’ official confirmation of this federally regulated pest on October 29. These findings warrant a rapid response to contain and treat the fungus in areas of known infection and monitoring for the presence of the fungus in other areas. The method by which the fungus arrived in Hawaii is unknown at this time, but left unchecked, wherever it becomes established it can decrease the following year productivity of coffee farms from between 30 to 80 percent.    

Up until now, Hawaii has been spared from this fungus that has impacted every other coffee-growing region of the world, often times wiping out entire coffee farms. While the establishment and management of this fungus in other regions presents the opportunity to utilize existing science and tools to respond to the fungus, such as planting resistant cultivars, changing climate conditions have resulted in once resistant varieties to now be susceptible to CLR. Additionally, like many invasive pests, management will need to be specifically tailored to the unique conditions found in Hawaii, taking into account the specific coffee varieties grown, the soil conditions, the microclimate, among other factors. 

In order to minimize the impact of CLR in Hawaii, the coffee industry will need to have a suite of tools specifically tailored to the conditions found in Hawaii at its disposal. This includes, but is not limited to, monitoring and effective quarantine strategies as well as the development of best management practices, effective chemical treatments, and resistant cultivars. The development, education, and dissemination of these tools to coffee growers will require a strong commitment of resources from USDA. As such, we urge USDA to consider providing emergency response resources such as funding set aside from the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721 program to rapidly respond to pest emergencies of high economic consequence, as well as USDA’s coordination, support, and provision of other available tools and resources to state, academic, and coffee industry stakeholders in Hawaii.    

Putting forward robust resources at this early stage can mean the difference between effective management and decimation of coffee farms in Hawaii. We thank you for USDA’s support and response to date and appreciate your attention to this urgent matter.

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

In the light of the current events regarding the coffee leaf rust discovery on Maui, it is encouraged for Coffee Growers to carry the USDA's crop insurance, and it is even more important to do so now. Disease that cannot be controlled is a covered cause of loss.

Here is a current Coffee Flyer that summarizes the program and provides cost and coverage examples on the reverse with the Coffee Tree specific information highlighted.

It is easy to apply for coverage for both Coffee Trees and Cherry production. For help with the application process or any other crop insurance related questions, reach out to Bonnie at Lind Insurance Services at agsecure@sbcglobal.net, 888-276-7728 toll-free or 559-285-8973 cell phone (call or text).