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Identification and potential of the hyperparasite Acremonium persicinum as biocontrol agent against coffee leaf rust

Summary

Coffee leaf rust is a major disease threatening coffee production worldwide. Researchers in China identified a naturally occurring fungus called Acremonium persicinum that parasitizes the rust fungus, effectively killing it. This biocontrol agent showed 91% inhibition of rust spore germination and completely prevented rust infection when applied together with the rust, offering a promising chemical-free solution for protecting coffee crops.

Background

Coffee leaf rust (CLR) caused by Hemileia vastatrix is a major threat to global coffee production. Hyperparasitic fungi offer potential for biological control of plant diseases. This study focused on identifying and characterizing hyperparasitic fungi from infected coffee leaves in Yunnan, China.

Objective

To identify the species of a hyperparasitic fungal strain isolated from coffee rust-infected leaves and evaluate its potential as a biocontrol agent against coffee leaf rust.

Results

Strain HY85 was identified as Acremonium persicinum. It achieved 91.18% inhibition of H. vastatrix urediniospore germination and completely suppressed pathogen biomass in co-inoculated leaf discs. Control efficacy reached 66.67% in field disease spots, with SEM revealing morphological damage to rust spores including indentation and collapse.

Conclusion

Acremonium persicinum strain HY85 demonstrates significant potential as a biocontrol agent for coffee leaf rust management. The strain effectively disrupts the life cycle of H. vastatrix through hyperparasitism and offers an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides.
  • Published in:FEMS Microbiology Ecology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40581491, DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaf064
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