Coffee is a crop of great economic importance in many countries. The organic coffee crop stands out from other production systems by aiming to eliminate the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. One of the most important limitations in the organic system is the management of diseases, especially coffee rust, which is considered the main disease of this crop. Coffee rust causes a production slump of up to 50%, significantly affecting the profitability of coffee growers. This work aims to review the integrated rust management in organic coffee crop in different producing countries. Regarding the disease management strategies, this review addresses the use of rust-resistant cultivars, cultural management, biological control, use of plant extracts, and chemical rust control by cupric fungicides. Considering the importance of the organic system, the increase in world coffee consumption, and the potential market for this kind of coffee, this review may help researchers and producers looking for alternative strategies to control rust in an organic coffee cultivation system.

Currently, the use of alternative tools for chemical control has become one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly options for crop protection against phytopathogens. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the effect of essential oils (EOs) on the control of tomato early blight (EB), a highly destructive disease of this crop. The antifungal activity and ability to induce resistance induction of the EOs of thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) were tested for control of A. linariae in tomato plants. In vitro, mycelial growth and conidial germination were strongly inhibited when thyme EO (TEO; 2000 ppm) and lemongrass (LGEO; 2000 ppm) were applied. The infected leaf area and final disease index were decreased by 47.78% and 39.00%, respectively, compared to the water treatment. Foliar spraying with TEO increased the activity of the defense-related enzymes peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and β-1,3-glucanase. Furthermore, callose deposition and phenolic compound accumulation in tissues infected by A. linariae improved after TEO application. In conclusion, TEO stimulated the defense system of tomato plants infected by A. linariae, which was associated with a reduced severity of EB. These results indicate that TEO is a potential tool in tomato EB disease management.