First report of Xylella fastidiosa in coffee
In Brazil, symptoms characterized by slight stunting, dieback and leaf scorch were observed on coffee (Coffea arabica cv. Mundo Novo). Serological tests carried out on extracts of affected plants revealed the presence of Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A1 quarantine pest). Analyses of the cultured bacterium by PCR with primers designed for the general detection of X. fastidiosa and specific detection of the X. fastidiosa that causes citrus variegated chlorosis gave positive results. This is the first report of X. fastidiosa on coffee. In addition, the possibility that the bacterium which causes citrus variegated chlorosis is similar to the one found in coffee is of some concern to citrus growers, as coffee is often planted near citrus in Brazil.
Sources
Beretta, M.J.G.; Harakava, R.; Chagas, C.M.; Derrick, K.S.; Barthe, G.A.; Ceccardi, T.L.; Lee, R.F.; Paradela, O.; Sugimori, M.; Ribeiro, I.A. (1996) First report of Xylella fastidiosa in coffee.
Plant Disease, 80(7), p 821.