In plantations in different parts of Costa Rica, and especially in Turrialba and Coto Brus, an increase has been detected in the presence of the rust fungus.
The early warning system that was implemented during the epidemic in 2012 has detected an increase in the presence of the fungus in several areas, and although the situation still is not an emergency, health authorities and the producers themselves are urging better controls in order to avoid its spread.
Nacion.com reports that “…The latest report from the early warning system for rust states that in the first half of August incidences of the fungus increased to 8.5%, up from a 4.6% incidence rate detected in July, in general for Costa Rica.”
“… In some regional coffee plantations, such as the West Central Valley (from Poas to San Ramon), the fungus is almost nil. But in other areas, such as Turrialba, the incidence increased from 10% of plantations in July to 26% in the first 15 days of August, according to measurements made on farms that have fungus management. In the case of Coto Brus, the presence rose from 14% to 18% in just one month. ”
Authorities warned that in the plantations where the fungus is not properly managed, the overall incidence could rise by up to 25% in the next month.
