Pest and disease management of coffee: practices and solutions

Coffee is one of the most globally traded commodities, and Brazil is the largest producer and exporter in the world. The product has high price volatility because climate variations have a direct impact on market fluctuations and occurrence of pests and diseases that reduce yield and quality. Pests and diseases are among the major causes of production loss in coffee plantations, and the literature indicates that prevention is the most effective way to reduce it. Therefore, knowing the crop and managing it well is important for high yields and high-quality beans. Plant protection management must be carried out objectively and regularly to ensure ideal conditions in all phases of the crop. The key to successful pest and disease management is to know the factors that influence coffee growth and understand the main causes of development of pests and diseases. Therefore, farmers must minimize adverse factors affecting the coffee crop by implementing prevention strategies and treatments, weed management, pruning and fertilization. Chemical control, plant extracts, mineral nutrition, healthy seedlings and seeds, and resistant cultivars are methods to reduce pests and diseases. Weed management also benefits coffee by reducing the direct competition of weeds with the crop. Scheduled pruning and fertilization increase bean yield as well as reduce the crop's susceptibility to phytopathogens. Thus, the proper management of coffee crops ensures both quantity and quality of beans, which optimize trading and enhance profitability in the specialty coffee sector.