From Outbreak to Innovation: Mapping Global Coffee Rust Research Trends and Solutions

Abstract

Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix , remains a significant threat to global coffee production and leads to considerable annual economic losses. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on coffee rust, focusing on disease management strategies and international collaboration patterns. A total of 510 English‐language publications from 1976 to 2025, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, were analyzed using R with Bibliometrix (Version 4.5.1) and VOSviewer (Version 1.6.20). The results identify three distinct publication phases and an annual growth rate of 6.3%. Early research emphasized pathology and host‐pathogen interactions, while later studies shifted toward disease management and molecular approaches. Recent investigations increasingly employ genomic tools, assess climate impacts, and incorporate artificial intelligence for early disease detection. Host resistance and field‐level management have become central research themes, underscoring a persistent gap in understanding the relationship between genetics and climate change. Geographical analysis highlights Brazil, the United States, and France as leading contributors. While Portugal and France participate in international collaborations, their overall research output remains limited. The study proposes sustainable strategies to mitigate the threat posed by Hemileia vastatrix , guiding researchers, policymakers, and funding organizations to address evolving pathogen‐climate interactions.