Correlation of Secondary Metabolites of Leaf with Resistance to Leaf Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) on Several Arabica Coffee Clones

Abstract

Indicator of coffee resistance to leaf rust attack (Hemileia vastatrix) is needed to select superior coffee plants resistant to biotic stress. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the content of secondary metabolites and the intensity of leaf rust attack, therefore, it becomes a reference in the selection of future coffee plants. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with five coffee clones, including Komasti Maragogik, Usda, Andong sari, and HDT (Hybrido de Timor) as treatment. Each treatment consisted of 3 replications, and each replication consisted of 2 sample plants. Observations were made by observing the intensity of the attack, and plant metabolites such as phenolic content, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity observed when the leaves had been attacked by H. vastatrix . The correlation analysis between leaf rust attack intensity and the plant metabolites showed a relationship between each observation variable. Flavonoid content in certain conditions can be used as an indicator to get Arabica coffee plants that are resistant to the attack of leaf rust.