Coffee Root-knot Nematode

(Photos by Scot Nelson and Andrea Kawabata)

In Hawaii, there is one specie of root-knot nematode in particular, that affects coffee. It is called Meloidogyne konaensis. Coffee root-knot nematodes cause plants to display "flagging" or flaccid, droopy leaves, yellowing of leaves, and premature ripening or abortion of coffee cherry. The amount of feeder roots and over all root mass will be reduced and those remaining may look swollen, stubby, and/or corky. Coffee yield may be reduced by 20-25% or greater and plants can succumb to nematode infestation.

Nematodes can be easily transported from farm to farm in soil, with pulapulas (coffee seedlings pulled from the ground) and larger coffee trees with roots, via down-flow of water, and with potted plants. Improperly and uncomposted materials may also be carriers of nematodes.

Root-knot nematode and over-bearing dieback can sometimes be confused with each other as symptoms look similar. Root and soil sampling can help to identify nematode problems. In addition, plant decline and death can be exacerbated by a combination of both problems. Due to poor root structure and supporting feeder roots, broadcasting fertilizers and providing irrigation may not save a dying tree or turn yellowing leaves green on plants affected by root-knot nematode. Replanting with grafted, root-knot nematode resistant plants is recommended.

Find additional information on coffee root-knot nematode by clicking on the links below:

Grafted Coffee Increases Yield and Survivability (Myers et al. 2020)
A Pictorial Guide to Coffee Grafting (Kawabata et al. 2019)
Kona Coffee Root-knot Nematode Sampling Procedures - (Kawabata et al. 2018)
Nutrient and Nematode Status of Coffee and Soils from Orchards in Hawaii - (Hue et al. 2007)
Managing Coffee Nematode Decline (Nelson et al. 2002)
Fukunaga, a Coffee Rootstock Resistant to the Kona Coffee Root-Knot Nematode (Bittenbender et al. 2001)
The Economics of Producing Grafted Coffee Plants (Fleming et al. 2001)
Parasitic Nematodes and Their Management (and Sampling for Nematodes) (Schmitt & Sipes 2000)

Kona Coffee Root-knot Nematodes: Disease Symptoms and Management (PPT by Scot Nelson)
Coffee Decline Caused by the Kona Coffee Root-Knot Nematode (Serracin et al. 1999)
Description of the Kona Coffee Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne konaensis n. sp. (Eisenbeck et al. 1994)

Click here for potential resources of grafted coffee trees with resistance to root-knot nematode.

Click here to view a video on coffee grafting by Greenwell Farms.

(Mention of a trademark, business, or proprietary name does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service or its employees and does not imply recommendation to the exclusion of other suitable products or businesses. )

Collecting Plant Disease and Insect Pest Samples for Problem Diagnosis
Learn how to best collect and submit disease, insect pest and nematode samples to the UH Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC) for diagnosis. Click here for ADSC analytical service fees.

Coffee Leaf and Soil Sampling
Learn how to correctly sample and submit coffee leaf and soil samples for proper analysis of plant nutritional status and soil pH and nutrient status.

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