Geographic variation in fungal diversity associated with leaf spot symptoms of Coffea arabica in Yunnan, China

Author: mycolabadmin
9/19/2025
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Summary

Researchers studied the different types of fungi found on coffee plant leaves in two regions of Yunnan, China. They discovered that the mountainous areas of Pu’er had more harmful fungi causing leaf spot disease, while the tropical lowlands of Xishuangbanna had more beneficial fungi that could naturally control pests. This information helps coffee farmers choose better disease management strategies based on their location’s unique environmental conditions.

Background

Coffea arabica production in Yunnan province, China has become economically significant, yet fungal diseases like leaf spot threaten productivity. The diversity of fungi associated with coffee leaf spots in Yunnan remains poorly characterized, limiting targeted management strategies. Recent studies highlight the role of microbiome diversity in plant health, with both pathogenic and beneficial fungi dynamically interacting on leaf surfaces.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the geographical variation in fungal communities associated with leaf spot symptoms of Coffea arabica across different ecological regions in Yunnan province. The research sought to identify pathogenic, saprophytic, endophytic, and entomopathogenic fungi to develop region-specific disease management strategies and identify potential biocontrol agents.

Results

A total of 3,638 fungal OTUs were identified, dominated by Ascomycota (92%). Pu’er City showed higher abundance of pathogenic fungi (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Cercospora coniogrammes), while Xishuangbanna exhibited greater presence of beneficial entomopathogenic fungi (Lecanicillium, Simplicillium). Core microbiome analysis revealed 48 abundant fungal species with distinct geographical patterns driven by altitude and microclimate differences.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates significant geographical variation in coffee leaf-associated fungal communities between Pu’er City and Xishuangbanna, with environmental factors shaping pathogen and beneficial fungi distribution. The identification of entomopathogenic fungi in Xishuangbanna suggests untapped biocontrol potential for disease management. These findings provide a foundation for region-specific disease management strategies and monitoring of leaf-associated fungi as indicators of crop health in Yunnan’s coffee industry.

Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
Study Type:Observational Study,
Source: PMID: 41048507