Coffee Leaf Rust Sanitation Protocol
(adapted from USDA-ARS DKI PBARC recommendations)
Coffee leaf rust (CLR) spores are microscopic and can be spread easily by wind, splashing water and physical contact. Decontamination protocols should be adopted regardless of your location or infection level. Below are CLR sanitation protocols adapted from recommendations released by USDA ARS PBARC on November 24, 2020. The original document can be downloaded here.
Prevent the spread of CLR within the farm and between farms.
Mention of trademark, proprietary product, or vendor does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products or vendors that also may be suitable.
Prevent the spread of CLR within the farm and between farms.
- Use wipes or spray bottles containing at least 70% alcohol or a freshly prepared 10% solution of chlorine bleach and water to decontaminate and kill CLR spores.
- Bleach can corrode metal so oil afterwards. Do not use bleach on skin or around sensitive areas (eyes, skin, respiratory system, etc.) of the body. Do not ingest.
- Label spray bottles with a permanent marker. Examples of labeling include “70% Isopropyl Alcohol – Flammable; Do not consume” and “10% Chlorine Bleach – Danger; Do not consume”.
- Store alcohol and chlorine bleach solutions in closed containers so they don’t spill or dissipate. Dissipation of alcohol and chlorine can occur from an open container which could reduce the effectiveness of the disinfectant.
- Take disinfectants with you and store them in all field transportation vehicles including but not limited to cars, trucks, carts and all-terrain vehicles for use.
- Before and after visiting any coffee sites, clean and disinfect your hands, gloves, hat, shoes, tools, supplies, equipment, and vehicle, and/or change into clean clothing and footwear.
- Clean shoes and boots with a brush to remove debris and spray with a disinfectant upon exiting a farm. A sanitizing footbath/mat with disinfectant can also be used. Sanitize the brush.
- Reduce the spread from tree to tree by decontaminating your hands, gloves, tools and any clothing or footwear that may have come in contact with CLR spores.
- Park vehicles outside of the property and away from coffee trees.
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize vehicles used in and around coffee. Send the vehicle through a car wash or power wash the vehicle on gravel, near a drain, and away from coffee trees.
- If using coveralls, put on disposable or clean coveralls upon arrival to the farm. Prior to leaving the farm, remove the coverall and place it in a plastic bag or bucket and seal. Then, disinfect your hands with alcohol and footwear with the alcohol or bleach solution. Disposable coveralls should be sanitized before disposal.
- Machine wash field-worn clothing with detergent and hot water and dry under high heat.
Mention of trademark, proprietary product, or vendor does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products or vendors that also may be suitable.
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