AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND RESISTANCE TO COFFEE RUST OF CASTILLO AND COLOMBIA IN SAN MARTIN, PERU

Abstract

Coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and plantation aging represent significant limitations to coffee productivity in the San Martín region of Peru. Therefore, evaluating resistant varieties is a viable alternative for coffee plantation renewal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic and sanitary performance of the Castillo and Colombia varieties, introduced in the province of Moyobamba, San Martín region. Twenty plants of each variety were used in a completely randomized design, and their morphological characteristics, productive variables, and rust incidence were evaluated. Analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test at a 5% significance level were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that both varieties presented similar morphological characteristics; however, the Castillo variety exhibited larger leaf dimensions and larger fruit and seed sizes compared to the Colombia variety. Furthermore, both varieties achieved yields exceeding 1500 kg ha-1 and low rust incidence (<1%), demonstrating adequate adaptation and sanitary stability under organic management conditions. It is concluded that the Castillo and Colombia varieties constitute viable alternatives for coffee plantation renewal programs in the San Martin region due to their productivity, resistance to rust and environmental adaptation.