In this study we investigate the relationship between disease intensity, genetic diversity, biodiversity and yield of coffee, Coffea arabica along a wide management gradient of coffee in southwestern Ethiopia.

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We aim to answer the following questions:

Does the intensity of the major fungal diseases on coffee vary along the gradient? See here.

How does the temporal variation in the intensity of diseases relate to their natural enemies?

How strong is the biocontrol potential of the natural enemies?

How does the severity of diseases relate to variation in genetic diversity of coffee in its native range?    

How do biodiversity and yield relate along the gradient?

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Co-supervisor:

• Ayco Tack, Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant sciences, Stockholm University

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 Papers published in this project:

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• Zewdie, B., Tack, A.J.M., Adugna, G., Nemomissa, S. & Hylander, K. 2020. Patterns and drivers of fungal disease community on Arabica coffee along a management gradient. Basic and Applied Ecology 47: 95-106 (e-view).

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• Zewdie, B., Tack, A.J.M., Ayalew, B., Adugna, G., Nemomissa, S. & Hylander, K. 2021. Temporal dynamics and biocontrol potential of a hyperparasite on coffee leaf rust across a landscape in Arabica coffee’s native range. Agriculture, Ecosystems and the Environment 311: no 107297. (e-view)

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• Zewdie, B., Tack, A.M.J., Ayalew, B., Wondafrash, M., Nemomissa, S. Hylander, K. 2022. Plant biodiversity declines with increasing coffee yield in Ethiopia’s coffee agroforests. Journal of Applied Ecology 59: 1198-1208. (e-view)

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• Zewdie, B., Yves Bawin, Y., Tack, AJM, Nemomissa, S., Tesfaye, K., Janssens, SB, Van Glabeke, S., Roldán‐Ruiz, I., Ruttink, T., Honnay, O. & Hylander, K. 2022. Genetic composition and diversity of Arabica coffee in the crop’s centre of origin and its impact on four major fungal diseases. Molecular Ecology (e-view)