Mutation Breeding in Coffee with Special Reference to Leaf Rust

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This open-access book offers a comprehensive overview of methodologies to enhance resistance to leaf rust in coffee, a vital cash crop. Coffea arabica L. (Arabica) represents about 60% of global coffee production, with coffee leaf rust (CLR) caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix being the primary disease affecting it, resulting in over $1 billion in annual losses. The geographical spread of CLR is increasing due to climate change, and the genetic improvement of Arabica coffee is limited by its narrow genetic base. This protocol book introduces mutation breeding as an effective tool for enhancing genetic diversity and provides practical methods for mutation induction and screening for CLR resistance. It reviews current breeding strategies, challenges, and opportunities for Arabica coffee improvement, alongside a survey of common coffee diseases, particularly CLR. The book details practical protocols for mutation induction and resistance screening, including innovative single-cell mutagenesis methods and genome-wide screening using genomics tools. Each chapter includes an introduction and example results. Given the recent impact of CLR epidemics on Arabica coffee production in Latin America, this book serves as a timely reference for students, researchers, plant pathologists, breeders, growers, and end-users interested in developing novel coffee genotypes for various applications.