The Effects of Climate Change on the Pests and Diseases of Coffee Crops in Mesoamerica

Abstract

Coffee is an in-demand commodity that is being threatened by climate change. Increasing temperatures and rainfall variability are predicted in the region of Mexico and Central America (Mesoamerica). This region is plagued with pests and diseases that have already caused millions of dollars in damages and losses to the coffee industry. This paper examines three pests that negatively affect coffee plants: the coffee borer beetle, the black twig borer, and nematodes. In addition, this paper examines three diseases that can destroy coffee crops: bacterial blight, coffee berry disease, and coffee leaf rust. This paper will review the literature on how these pests and diseases are predicted to affect coffee crops under climate change models. In general, increased temperatures will increase the spread of pest and disease in coffee crops. Projected decreased rainfall in Honduras and Nicaragua may decrease the spread of pest and disease. However, these are complex issues which still require further study.