Exogenous application of salicylic acid to control coffee rust

The exogenous application of salicylic acid can induce plant resistance against pathogens. However, little is known about the potential uses this bioregulator for controlling coffee diseases. In study, we assessed effect applying (SA – 150 mg L-1) on management rust (Hemileia vastatrix) in a 7-year-old plantation with low crop load (651.6 kg ha-1 2017). For comparison, plants were sprayed protectant fungicide (copper hydroxide CH) and standard fungicides (SF) used by local farmers (boscalid, pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole, copper hydroxide). Non-treated included as negative control. Five monthly applications performed from November 2016 to March 2017. Rust incidence severity, defoliation, growth plagiotropic branches evaluated monthly. activity catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) total proteins was one day after first, third, fifth product applications. Compared untreated plants, SA reduced severity 36.3 54.7%, while CH SF disease 31.8 54.6% 83.8 88%, respectively. defoliation 54.1%. increased concentration CAT, APX, SOD first application. not observed subsequent Foliar reduces load.