Impact of shade on morpho-physiological characteristics of coffee plants, their pests and diseases: A review

Traditionally, coffee plant has been considered as a shade demanding species and intolerant of direct sunlight, although it performs well without shade. Still controversy result and recommendation have been reported among investigators in the optimal shading level for coffee growth. This controversy will probably continue endlessly until the effects of shade up on the performance of morphology and physiology of the plant is known better.  This review discusses the advantages of shade for coffee production, the responses of coffee plants to shade in morphology, physiology, and effects on coffee pest and diseases and finally, the effect of shade on coffee pest and diseases are discussed. Key words: Coffee, shade, morphology, physiology, coffee pest, disease.