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Common physiological disorders

This topic covers the most frequent physiological (non-pathogenic) disorders in coffee plants, how they differ from diseases, their causes, and their impact on yield and bean quality.

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Article 12 of 12 in Coffee Botany & Plant Biology/
Common physiological disorders

What Are Physiological Disorders?

  • Disorders caused by environmental or nutritional stress, not by pests or pathogens.
  • Often linked to climate extremes, soil imbalances, or poor management.
  • Symptoms may resemble disease but lack infectious agents.

Key Physiological Disorders in Coffee

1. Chlorosis (Yellowing of Leaves)

  • Cause: Nitrogen, iron, or magnesium deficiency; poor drainage; root stress.
  • Symptoms: Uniform or interveinal yellowing, stunted growth.
  • Impact: Reduced photosynthesis → lower yields.

2. Fruit Drop / Abortion

  • Cause: Drought, excessive rainfall, poor pollination, or nutrient deficiency (boron, calcium).
  • Symptoms: Flowers or young cherries fall prematurely.
  • Impact: Major yield losses.

3. Frost Damage

  • Cause: Exposure to temperatures below 0°C (common in high-altitude areas).
  • Symptoms: Necrotic leaf tissue, blackened branches, killed young plants.
  • Impact: Severe yield reduction; may kill whole plantations.

4. Sunscald (Leaf and Cherry Burn)

  • Cause: Intense sunlight and heat, often in full-sun plantations without shade trees.
  • Symptoms: Bleached or necrotic patches on leaves, dried cherries.
  • Impact: Reduced photosynthetic area; lower cherry quality.

5. Edema (Water Stress Disorder)

  • Cause: Rapid uptake of water after drought or irrigation, leading to cell rupture.
  • Symptoms: Blister-like spots on leaves that turn corky.
  • Impact: Reduces leaf efficiency and may lower vigor.

6. Bean Malformations

  • Causes: Nutrient imbalances (boron, calcium), irregular pollination, or drought during fruit development.
  • Symptoms: Hollow beans, misshapen seeds, peaberries.
  • Impact: Lower grading scores, reduced market value.

Distinguishing Disorders from Disease

  • Disorders: Linked to abiotic factors (climate, nutrients, water).
  • Diseases: Caused by biotic agents (fungi, bacteria, viruses).
  • Diagnosis: Requires soil/leaf analysis and field observation.

Management Strategies

  • Balanced fertilization (NPK + micronutrients).
  • Shade management to reduce sunscald.
  • Irrigation and mulching to prevent drought stress.
  • Frost protection measures (windbreaks, smoke, site selection).
  • Regular monitoring to separate disorders from disease.

Lasting Importance

Physiological disorders directly affect yield stability and bean quality. Understanding their causes allows farmers to act preventively, ensuring resilience and sustainability without confusing them with pests or diseases.

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Coffee Basics Nerds

Written by : Coffee Basics Nerds

Expert coffee historians and brewing enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the rich heritage and techniques behind your perfect cup of coffee.

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