The symptoms of coffee leaf rust are leaf spots, loss of vigour, and death of the leaves.
Coffee leaf rust is a fungal disease that affects coffee plants, causing damage to the leaves and reducing yield. The first symptom of coffee leaf rust is the appearance of small, yellow-orange spots on the leaves. These spots gradually enlarge and turn brown, and may merge to form large lesions that cover the entire leaf surface.
As the disease progresses, the affected leaves lose their vigour and may become twisted or curled. Eventually, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant, leading to defoliation and a reduction in photosynthesis. This can weaken the plant and reduce its ability to produce coffee cherries, resulting in lower yields and quality.
Coffee leaf rust is a serious problem in many coffee-growing regions, and can be difficult to control. Prevention and early detection are key to minimizing the impact of the disease. Farmers can use cultural practices, such as pruning and removing infected leaves, and chemical fungicides to manage coffee leaf rust.