First report of Xylella fastidiosa on coffee in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, severe symptoms were observed on coffee (Coffea arabica cvs. Caturra and Catuaí). They were characterized by reduced leaf size, leaf malformation and curling of the edges, shortening of internodes, severe leaf chlorotic mosaic becoming necrotic in some cases. Flower and young berry abortion was also observed. Affected plants presented irregular growth with an atypical curling appearance (hence the Spanish name ‘crespera’). Samples were collected and tested by ELISA, and revealed the presence of Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A1 quarantine pest). It is noted that symptoms observed in Costa Rica were different from those reported in Brazil. This could be due to very different climatic and soil conditions. Preliminary studies showed that the bacterium could be detected in leafhoppers (Graphocephala permagna and Erythrogonia sonora) but their vector status has to be confirmed. The authors noted that this is the first time that X. fastidiosa is reported from coffee in Costa Rica.
Sources
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Rodríguez, C.M.; Obando, J.J.; Villalobos, W.; Moreira, L.; Rivera, C. (2001) First report of Xylella fastidiosa infecting coffee in Costa Rica.
Plant Disease, 85(9), p 1027.
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