Many leaf problems look alike at first. Looking carefully at a few details helps you describe what you see and decide when to ask for help.
Questions to ask yourself
- Is there powder? Orange powder on the underside is typical of coffee leaf rust.
- Where is the damage? Dark tips and edges on the newest leaves can point to Phoma or to weather damage.
- Which leaves are affected? Old leaves, new leaves, or all of them?
- Is the whole leaf yellow without spots? That is more often nutrition, water or root stress.
- Are stems, berries or the whole tree affected? Then the problem may not be a leaf disease at all.
Write down what you see and when you first noticed it. This record is very useful to an extension worker.
More to read
Image-taking guidance
How to photograph a coffee leaf for scanning
A clear, well-lit photograph of one leaf gives the scanner the best chance of a useful answer.
Coffee plant health
Everyday practices that keep coffee trees healthy
Pruning, weeding, mulching and balanced feeding reduce stress and make disease less likely.
Responsible management
Using fungicides responsibly
Chemicals are a last step, not a first one. Confirm the problem and follow expert advice and the label.