Crop Protection
-part 3-
Management of Disease
Coffee leaf rust is a fungal disease occurring worldwide.
Symptoms and Damage
- Yellowish powdery spores underneath the leaves.
- Leaf rust patches on affected leaves ultimately results in leaf fall.
- Reduced foliage limits photosynthetic capacity and can reduce yields.
Control of Coffee Leaf Rust
- For new establishment, plant disease resistant varieties such as Riuru II and Batian. K7 has some tolerance to leaf rust.
- For existing traditional varieties such as SL28 and SL34 top work by grafting with the resistant varieties.
- Well nourished coffee tree has some degree of tolerance to diseases.
- By use of fungicides. However it is expensive and not environmental friendly.
- In case the infestation is severe (20% of leaves have rust), it becomes necessary to use a systemic fungicide such as Alto Bayleton. These products are used at low rates, 2 times per year.
Symptoms and Damages
- Black lesions are seen on the surface of berries.
- Infected berries may fall or remain on the trees in black shriveled condition.
- On the flowers, brown streaks can be seen
- Brown lesions on ripe cherry. Infection of the ripe cherry is called Brown Blight and reduces quality.
- CBD is pre-disposed by rain and is worse at the cooler, wetter, higher altitudes.
Control of CBD
- For new establishment, plant disease resistant varieties such as Riuru II and Batian.
- For existing traditional varieties such as SL28 and SL34 top work by grafting with the resistant varieties.
- It is very important to maintain young heads in CBD areas since infection is more severe in older bearing heads hence frequent change of cycle is required.
- Undertake proper and timely pruning.
- Crop hygiene by stripping infected berries will reduce the spread of CBD.
- Use recommended fungicides. However, fungicides are expensive since about 8 sprays are recommended per year. A mixture of Copper and organic fungicides (e.g. Dacomil, Delan, Rova) gives better results.
- It is advisable to complete the recommended CBD control program otherwise; it will not be cost effective. Farmers should at least continue to spray until the rains and the cold spell are over.
Safe Use of Pesticides
What is Safe Use of Pesticides?
- It is the use of pesticides in a manner that will not harm:
- Human beings and animals
- Fish in the river
- The environment
- The crops
Chemical Toxicity and Information found on the Pesticide Label
- Pesticides should be packed and labeled according to world Health Organization (WHO) specifications. The label should be in English and in the local language and should indicate;
- The contents
- Safety instruction (warnings)
- Possible measures in the event of swallowing or contamination
- Take safety measures and wear protective clothing as recommended.
- Always keep pesticides in their original containers
WHO Pesticides Classification
Pesticides are classified according to toxicology (the harmful effect of a poison to living systems). Pesticides have different levels of strength hence the classification.
Safe Use of Crop Protection Products in the Farm
Pesticides can enter our body through:
Proper handling and use minimizes risk and exposure.
Safe Use of Pesticides – How do we protect ourselves?
Use the right protective clothing
- Boots
- Gloves
- Mask
- Goggles
- Face Mask
- Hat
- Overalls
Hazards & Storage
- Handling liquid concentrate
- Handling dry concentrate
- Application
- Dangerous/harmful to animals
- Dangerous/harmful to fish; do not contaminate lakes, rivers, ponds or streams
Keep product locked and out of reach of children.
Precautions for Purchase, Storage and Transport of Pesticides
- Store pesticides in a place that can be locked and is not accessible to unauthorized people or children.
- They should never be kept in a place where they might be mistaken for food and drink. Keep them dry but away from fires and out of direct sunlight.
- Crop protection products are hazardous if not stored under proper conditions.
- Consult label for proper storage advice.
- Do not carry them in a vehicle that is also used to transport food.
- Buy the correct product.
- Do not buy damaged packs.
- Keep products away from passengers, food stuffs and livestock.
- Ensure chemical containers are clearly labeled.
Precautions for Disposal of Pesticides containers
- Dig a hole at least 100m away from streams, wells and houses. In a hilly area the hole should be on the lower side of the homestead or wells.
- Pour run-off water from hand washings and spray into a hole and bury containers, boxes and bottles used for pesticides in it.
- Close the hole as soon as possible. Cardboard, paper and cleaned plastic containers can be burned far away from houses and sources of drinking water.
- Empty containers should be triple rinsed into the spray tank, punctured and buried in a special place or burned.
- Never re-use pesticide containers.
- Never discard in the rubbish pit.
- Left-over insecticide suspension can be disposed of safely by pouring it into a specially dug hole in the ground. It should not be disposed off where it may enter water used for drinking or washing, fish ponds or rivers. Some insecticides, such as the pyrethroids, are very toxic to fish.
Precautions for Disposal of Obsolete Chemicals
- Obsolete chemicals are those that have expired.
- Dispose obsolete chemicals in a hole away from water bodies or take them back to distributor manufacturers.
Precautions for Disposal of Diluted Chemicals
- In case any chemical is left over, dispose off in a specially prepared hole. The hole should be at least 100m away from streams, wells and houses. In a hilly area the hole should be on the lower side of the homestead or wells.
From Coffee Agronomy Farmer Manual
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