Am dealing with coffee wilt disease, to evaluate the reaction of coffee genotypes under field conditions, which one is the best option from using sick plot and inoculation of pathogen suspension. If any experience even on related crops?
Commonly used methods include soil sampling, pathogen isolation, and molecular techniques such as PCR. Consider consulting literature, local experts, or agricultural extension services for tailored recommendations based on your specific circumstances.
Hailu Negesa During evaluation of coffee genotypes reaction to soil-born pathogens under field conditions you will meet several problems, and among them:
1) High diversity of your target pathogen population density across the plot (if you mind "sick plot")
2) Diversity of other plant pathogens and antagonistic microorganisms across the plot
3) Possible natural infection of planted coffee trees before your experiment.
4) Possible variation of soil fertility and humidity across the plot.
5) Expect high variation of plant reaction for the same genotype (from 6-9% to 25%, depending on the plants propagation history)
Thus, it is better to use clean and uniform plot planted with young healthy trees inoculated artificially by characterized strain(s) of your target pathogen. Artificial inoculation must be done by one person or by a few well-trained people to reduce variation caused by different damage/inoculum loading. And it is useful to test the same genotypes in controlled experiment in large/medium size pots.
In this case under field conditions, use sick plot only but not artificial inoculation. You have to select the sick plot or hot spot area for cultivation of coffee and then screening has to be done from the beginning itself based on wilt symptoms and work out the formula
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