The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial dispersion pattern of the blister spot on coffee trees, through spatial arrangements and the analysis of the dynamics and foci structure of the disease during three consecutive years. No disease progress was observed in this area during the period of study. Seedlings showing disease symptoms were found under the canopy of diseased trees, strongly indicating that the disease may be transmitted through the seeds. Ten foci with 2.5 trees per focus were observed in the studied area. The foci were distributed following the plant rows with elliptical shape. Unitary foci predominated in the area in 52% of the diseased trees. Analyses of runs and doublets showed a random spatial pattern of the disease. These results evidenced that the blister spot occurs from isolated plants (unitary foci) and this characteristic may possibly be explained if the seeds are the main disease transmission agent (seed-plant-seed).
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides; coffee trees; epidemiology; Coffea
