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POSTERS: Epidemiology I

P-227 - Mycena citricolor Berk, a quarantine fungal pathogen and major threat for African Coffee producing countries.

Monday, August 4, 2025
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3

    Presenting Author(s)

  • CA

    Carlos A. Angel, PhD (he/him/his)

    Scientist & International Consultant. Fmr. Head of Plant Pathology
    Fmr CENICAFE, FNC Plant Pathology - Colombia. Consultant for Ag Aligned Global and IICA.
    Villamaria, Caldas, Colombia

    • Author(s)

  • NA

    Nancy Arciniegas

    Contractor Research Scientist and Consultant
    Fmr CENICAFE, FNC Plant Pathology - Colombia
    Bogota, D.C., Cundinamarca, Colombia

Abstract Text: Global agricultural trade relies on phytosanitary standards (IPPC/WTO) and Phytosanitary Risk Analysis (PRA) to prevent pest introductions. American Leaf Spot (ALS) caused by the fungus Mycena citricolor, poses a significant threat to coffee worldwide, a crucial commodity for 12.5 million farmers in nearly 60 countries globally. ALS, causing up to 90% yield loss, affects more than 500 hosts in Central and South America and is quarantined outside its current range. Given Africa's coffee production in 29 countries, Coffea spp. germplasm origin places or collections and diverse host crops and plants, a preliminary PRA was conducted. The PRA revealed a high risk of ALS introduction to African coffee-producing nations. Favorable climate conditions (17-23°C, high rainfall and humidity), especially in mid and high-altitude production in agroforestry systems, diverse host species (over 140) and efficient dispersal mechanisms increase the risk. Potential introduction pathways include infected plants and tissues, germplasm exchange, immigration events and general or specialized tourism. Economic and environmental impacts are potentially severe for coffee and many agricultural or native systems. Preventive measures are crucial, including strict phytosanitary permits and the adoption of e-commerce standards or regulations, undeclared shipments of host materials, enhanced inspection and detection, bio-secure quarantines and public awareness. Continuous risk assessment and communication, mapping and monitoring are essential for country-specific evaluations in Africa and other continents.