The coffee rust crises suffered in Mesoamerica can be considered as a test in the face of global changes to come.
Developing resistant cultivars is probably the best longterm trategy to control the disease. Coffee is not only exposed to coffee rust but also other pests and diseases, which could become serious threats in the future, particularly with the progression of climate change, such as the coffee berry borer for which no resistance is available.
Breeding therefore needs to be part of a systems based
strategy that enhances coffee’s resilience to perturbations and exhibits natural strengths against future risks