Coffee Leaf RustIdentification & Treatment Guide 2026
Hemileia vastatrix · Family: Incertae sedis
Coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) causes orange-yellow powdery spots on leaf undersides, leading to defoliation and yield loss. Manage with resistant varieties (Catimor, Sarchimor), copper-based sprays during early rainy season, adequate shade management, balanced nutrition, and proper spacing for air circulation.
Scan This Plant NowQuick Diagnosis
highCoffee Leaf Rust
- Affects
- leaves
- Peak Season
- Rainy season, worst at altitudes below 1500m with temperatures 21-25°C
- Spread Risk
- Moderate
- Spread By
- Wind-dispersed urediniospores, rain splash
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Symptoms: What does Coffee Leaf Rust look like?
Visual identification guide — tap each stage for details
Small pale yellow spots on leaf underside
Pale yellow, translucent spots (2-3 mm) appear on the underside of leaves. On upper surface, corresponding faint yellowish patches may be visible.
Orange powdery pustules expanding
Spots enlarge and develop characteristic bright orange-yellow, powdery urediniospore masses on the underside. Lesions coalesce, covering large leaf areas.
Leaf drop and branch dieback
Heavily infected leaves turn brown and drop prematurely. Successive seasons of defoliation cause branch dieback, reduced berry production, and eventual tree death in susceptible varieties.
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