# Hemileia vastatrix in Coffea spp.: Distribution of Urediniospores Grouped by Size and Insights into Morphological Structures

## TL;DR

This study examines the size distribution and morphology of coffee leaf rust spores in Mexico, revealing eight distinct spore groups and insights into their structures.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel analysis of spore size distribution and morphological structures of Hemileia vastatrix in Mexican coffee plantations.

## Key findings

- Eight significant spore groups were identified, with distinct size ranges and regional distributions.
- Morphological features like double-cell walls and anastomosis were observed in the uredinium structures.
- Spore groups showed variability in distribution across different environmental conditions and altitudes.

## Abstract

Hemileia vastatrix coffee leaf rust reduces Mexican coffee production by 51%. We aimed to analyze the size and distribution of H. vastatrix urediniospores among coffee plantations, as well as the morphological structures of the uredinium. In 2015, 65 leaf samples with rust symptoms were collected from 17 coffee cultivars grown at various altitudes (229–1649 m) under different environmental conditions in 14 regions of four Mexican states. A total of 30 spores per sample were measured and grouped using the Ward centroid method, and the group distribution was analyzed. Uredinia morphology was examined via electron microscopy, and the identity of the rust was confirmed. We identified eight significant spore groups. Groups 8h and 3a had the smallest and largest spores, respectively, which were distributed in two and one state, respectively, at different altitudes. The spores in groups 1b–7f were variable within the intermediate size range, and their distribution was at least one group per state under temperate, warm, and humid conditions. The uredinium had double-cell walls in the pedicels and urediniospores, a split septum, spores with hilum and protuberances, and an oval spore shape; anastomosis was detected on vegetative hyphae and haustoria. These findings may reflect gaps in knowledge in the biological cycle of this rust.