Incubation period of coffee leaf rust

Abstract

Coffee is one of the world’s most famous crops and, among its major diseases, coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk. & Br.) is considered most important. One of the ways to evaluate rust severity is by means of equations that estimate the incubation period (IP) of the fungus. The present study aimed to review the main studies on coffee leaf rust and its incubation period, in order to elucidate the main equations developed for this purpose. In the literature, there are at least ten equations that estimate IP values for different conditions. Most of the Brazilian studies have used the equation of Moraes et al. (31), developed for full sun and shade cultivation, under macroclimate condition. The study of IP is used at different hierarchical levels and in different climatic scenarios and is important for decision making and public policy, assisting farmers in the planning and management of the area.