Author(s): Deepak K, Hanumantha BT and Sreenath HL
Viability of spores samples of Hemileia vastatrixf, the fungal pathogen causing leaf rust disease in coffee was checked after storing at room temperature, -20°C and -80°C for one year. While the spore samples lost their viability as early as 45 days at room temperature and thus retained viability for about 120 days at -20°C. Spores stored at -80°C retained about 52% viability even at the end of one year. The results clearly indicated that urediniospores of Hemileia vastatrix can be preserved at -80°C for one year and more.
