Distribution and status of Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) in Arsi, Southeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Coffee is a non-alcoholic and stimulant beverage crop and belongs to the family Rubiaceae and genus Coffea. Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) has been threatened by various coffee fungal diseases. Among these coffee berry disease (CBD) is the most economically important one in East African countries including Ethiopia. Coffee berry disease (CBD) caused by Colletotrichum kahawae was intensively assessed and examined in 90 sample coffee farms from 3 coffee growing districts (Chole, Gololcha and Shanan Kolu) of Arsi, Southeastern Ethiopia. Assessment was done to examine prevalence, incidence and severity of CBD in selected districts. Assessment was done visually, random sampling techniques and interviewing growers for important points related to CBD. Coffee berry disease was prevalent in most surveyed coffee growing areas of Arsi. The overall mean prevalence, incidence and severity of CBD were 85.52, 49.78 and 19.25%, respectively. The highest incidence (100%) and severity (55.14 %) of CBD were observed in Shanan Kolu, followed by Gololcha, 80 and 54.18% and Chole, 80  and 42.73%. High CBD severity and incidence were recorded at the high land of selected districts. In order to reduce CBD intensity in the respective areas, research should be able to develop CBD resistant coffee varieties through screening landraces using virulent pathogens. Similarly, proper cultural practices, such as coffee pruning, shade tree regulation, application of organic fertilizers and wider spacing should be utilized by coffee growers to reduce CBD intensity throughout their coffee ecosystem.