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: 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Location: Room 24AB
Category: Sustainability
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
Presenter:
Al Liu
Director of Let’s Talk Coffee, Sustainable Harvest
Moderator:
Jorge Cuevas
Chief Coffee Officer, Sustainable Harvest
Jorge is the Chief Coffee Officer at Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers. He oversees the company's global supply network and works proactively as a bridge between roasters and producers.
Paul Alvarez
Vice President Program Integrity & Supply Chains, Regenerative Organic Alliance
Paul Alvarez is Vice President of Program Integrity and Supply Chains at the Regenerative Organic Alliance, the Non-Profit Organization that oversees the Regenerative Organic Certified Framework (aka ROC). He focused on advancing regenerative and organic agriculture through credible and transparent systems. His work supports both smallholder and large-scale farmers and ranchers, with deep experience in coffee, global agricultural markets, and supply chain landscapes. Paul emphasizes the importance of integrity in building trust across value chains, aligning farmer livelihoods, market access, and long-term resilience. He collaborates with farmers, brands, and partners to strengthen supply chains, improve productivity, and drive meaningful impact for people, land, and local economies.
Fátima Ismael Espinoza
Producer, UCA SOPPEXCCA R.L
Fátima Ismael Ingeniera Agrónoma, con experiencia de 40 años de trabajo con organizaciones cooperativas de productores de Nicaragua. Actualmente es Gerente de UCA SOPPEXCCA R.L que es una organización de pequeños productores y desde su formación a impulsado el programa de café sostenible, de alta calidad y enfocado en la cadena de producción -exportación, así como la construcción de relaciones de largo plazo con la industria. Esta organización es pionera en alcanzar la certificación de Café Orgánico Regenerativo y la implementación de una visión de inclusión de la unidad familiar con programas educativos, sociales y ambientales.