Lecture Description
Coffee faces one of its greatest challenges in the management of fungal pathogens — particularly Hemileia vastatrix, the causal agent of coffee leaf rust. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising frontier for sustainable crop protection. This session will explore how engineered nanomaterials — specifically silica-based nanoparticles functionalized with chitosan oligomers and copper ions — can activate defense pathways in coffee plants, enhance horizontal resistance, and potentially reduce the need for conventional agrochemicals.
Drawing from ongoing research and greenhouse trials with Coffea arabica varieties, we will discuss mechanisms of action, results from plant defense gene expression studies, and leaf disc infection assays evaluating disease progression. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the opportunities and limitations of applying nanotechnology in coffee agriculture, including scalability, safety, regulatory considerations, and practical adoption for smallholder farmers.
This presentation aims to bridge cutting-edge plant science and field application. It is designed for coffee producers, agronomists, sustainability leaders, and anyone interested in innovative, environmentally conscious solutions for the future of coffee farming.
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 9:45 am
Location: Room 26AB
Category: Science
Access: This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee here.
Please note that lecture sessions are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is highly recommended to secure your seat.
Speakers
Dr. Alexis A. Salazar
UABC - Cultura Barista
Dr. Alexis A. Salazar Navarro is a researcher specializing in plant–nanomaterial interactions and disease resistance in coffee. His work focuses on silica-based nanocomposites functionalized with chitosan oligomers and copper to enhance defense responses in Coffea arabica, promoting sustainable strategies to manage coffee leaf rust. He has published peer-reviewed research on nanoparticle-induced resistance and explores nano-enabled plant protection technologies to support resilient coffee production systems in Latin America. A certified Q Grader and SCA-trained barista and roaster, Dr. Salazar bridges cutting-edge plant science with the craft and quality standards of specialty coffee.