Phytosanitary problems are the most frustrating type of inconvenience that any farmer wants to avoid at all costs. Plant diseases can affect coffee production and quality, and increase production costs due to the need to invest in inputs to combat diseases.
For this reason, even radical measures are used, such as moving the plants to areas far from the farm, the use of phytosanitary agrochemicals, with all the risks that this entails. This can affect production, quality and production costs, logistical efficiency and compliance with the demands of international buyers.
It is therefore essential to have farming solutions that help you combat these difficulties and enable you to achieve your goals of sustainability, efficiency and product quality.
In this article you will learn some tips on how to control pests and fungal diseases through integrated pest and fungal disease management and good cultivation practices to promote optimal root development of the plant.
What are plant protection products in agriculture?
Plant Protection Products (PPP), also known as agrochemicals or pesticides, are chemicals used in agriculture to control or eliminate organisms that can affect the health or yield of crops. These organisms include insects, mites, fungal diseases, bacteria and weeds.
Chemicals may come in different forms, such as liquids, powders or granules. In turn, they are applied to crops by spraying, irrigation, soil injection, among other ways.
The choice of the type of crop protection product and the form of application will depend on the pest or disease to be treated and the characteristics of the crop.
Plant protection products can be very useful to protect crops and improve yields, but they can also have negative impacts on human health and the environment if they are not used responsibly.
What is a phytosanitary problem?
A phytosanitary problem is basically a plant disease (phytopathology) that is triggered by various agents such as those mentioned above. In the case of coffee, there are several phytosanitary problems that can affect crops, some of the main ones being:
Coffee leaf rust
Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the coffee plant. Affected leaves turn yellow and drop prematurely, which can significantly reduce the yield and quality of the final product.
Coffee Berry Borer (CBB)
CBB is an insect that feeds on coffee beans. By penetrating the fruit, it can cause premature fruit drop and reduce crop yields. In addition, the CBB can transmit diseases through its bites.
Coffee powdery mildew
Coffee powdery mildew is a fungal disease affecting the leaves, branches and fruits of the plant. Affected leaves and fruits may turn whitish and show brown spots. This plant pathology affects coffee quality and reduces yields.
Coffee anthracnose
A fungal disease affecting the leaves and branches of the coffee plant, which can cause loss of foliage necessary for photosynthesis. If the fruit is infected, it can cause discolouration and deformation of the fruit, affecting the quality and yield of the crop.
Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic worms that can cause damage to the roots of the coffee plant, which can result in reduced growth and yield of the crop.
What are the risks associated with the use of crop protection products?
It is normal for coffee growers to consider the use of crop protection products at the first signs of a pest. However, the use of Plant Production Products (PPP) in agriculture entails several risks to human health and the environment. Some of the main risks are:
Risks to human health
Exposure to PPPs can cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation. In addition, some products can be toxic and cause more serious health problems such as neurological disorders, cancer, hormonal and reproductive problems, among others.
Risks to wildlife
Plant protection products can be toxic to beneficial insects, birds, fish and other animals. In addition, excessive or incorrect use of PPPs can negatively affect biodiversity and ecological balance.
Soil and water contamination
PPPs can leach into soil and water, which can contaminate natural resources and affect water and soil quality.
Pest and disease resistance
Excessive and repetitive use of PPPs can lead to pest and disease resistance to chemicals, making them less effective and requiring the use of higher doses or more toxic products.
How to avoid phytosanitary problems?
To avoid phytosanitary problems in coffee crops, the following recommendations can be followed:
Monitoring and early diagnosis
Crops should be monitored regularly to detect possible phytosanitary problems as early as possible and to take appropriate control measures. It is also important to make an accurate diagnosis of the disease or pest to determine the appropriate treatment.
The role of roots in pest resistance
Stronger roots in coffee plants can contribute to avoiding phytosanitary problems in several ways. Some of the benefits are:
Increased nutrient uptake
Strong roots can absorb more nutrients from the soil, which helps maintain good plant health and reduce susceptibility to diseases and pests.
Improved resistance to environmental conditions
Optimal root development can also help the plant to better withstand adverse conditions such as drought, flooding and temperature changes. When plants are healthier and stronger, they are less prone to diseases and pests.
Increased resilience
Strong roots in plants are related to the ability to recover more quickly from damage caused by diseases and pests. If the roots are damaged or weak, the plant may have difficulty recovering its vigor and be more susceptible to future problems.
Conclusion
The best defense against phytosanitary problems is to anticipate and prevent them. It is therefore important to keep the soil healthy and rich in nutrients. Provide adequate irrigation so that the roots have access to sufficient water without becoming saturated. Promote air circulation by pruning low branches and shrubs around plants to improve air circulation.
By following these practices, you can improve the health and resilience of coffee plant roots, which can help prevent phytosanitary problems in the crop.
Learn more about Jiffy and how we develop sustainable solutions for coffee farming. Don't forget that by using Jiffy Pellets in coffee propagation, you guarantee the use of a harmless substrate that is 100% free of nematodes and pathogens from the soil, thus giving the plant an extra advantage in protecting itself from phytosanitary problems.