Flight Activity and Field Infestation Relationships for Coffee Berry Borer in Commercial Coffee Plantations in Kona and Kau Districts, Hawaii

Abstract

The coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a recent invader to Hawaii. To date, limited information regarding the seasonal phenology of this pest on the islands limits the implementation of integrated control strategies. As part of a coffee farmer training program, we monitored CBB flight activity in 15 coffee plantations (Kona and Kau Districts) over 10 mo with methanol-ethanol (3:1 ratio) baited traps. Concurrently, we quantified CBB infestation and penetration rates inside developing coffee berries through the end of harvest. Approximately 1 million CBB were captured, with the highest activity (e.g., >500 CBB/trap/wk) in December through February, coinciding with end of main regional harvesting periods. Relatively high activity (>250 CBB/trap/wk) was also observed during berry development, in May and June (Kona) and June and July (Kau). Field infestation rates were higher overall in Kau (9.6 ± 1.1%) compared with coffee plantations in Kona (4.7 ± 0.4%). Linear regression investigated relationships between CBB trap data and berry infestation rates. Trap catch data generally correlated better with the proportion of shallow entries (AB position) compared with deeper penetrations (CD position) or total infestation. Pearson correlation coefficients based on different parameters (i.e., region, altitude, and berry phenology) revealed positive and mostly significant correlations between these variables (R values 0.410 to 0.837). Timing peak flight activity of CBB with insecticide applications will help coffee growers improve pest control. The ability of trap data to calculate reliable economic (action) thresholds for the CBB is discussed.

Integrated Pest Management of Coffee Berry Borer in Hawaii and Puerto Rico: Current Status and Prospects

“…Flight activity coincided with high berry infestation ( Figure 2 ). Similar results were reported earlier across both districts [ 26 ], with the highest trap catches recorded during harvest in December and January. While trap catches were generally higher in Kona, there was substantial variation among farms, as well as within farms.…”

“…Farmers can make their own traps from a plastic soda bottle to save money [ 40 ]. Additional efforts are exploring the development of trap action thresholds that growers can use [ 26 ]. For biological control, the flat bark beetle project managed by the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service is teaching growers about these native CBB predators and how to augment populations on their farms [ 41 ].…”

“…As noted above, labor issues limit cultural control practices. The variable climate and topography also influence CBB phenology in Hawaii [ 18 , 26 ], Puerto Rico [ 43 ], and elsewhere [ 44 ]. These differences make area-wide recommendations problematic.…”

The Hawaii Protocol for Scientific Monitoring of Coffee Berry Borer: a Model for Coffee Agroecosystems Worldwide

“…The trap attractant comprised of 3:1 methanol:ethanol may be changed to a 1:1 methanol:ethanol solution with comparable results 21 . Soapy water may also be substituted for propylene glycol as a kill solution in traps 22 . For estimates of large numbers of CBB ( e.g.…”

Incorporating Beauveria bassiana Into an Integrated Pest Management Plan for Coffee Berry Borer in Hawaii

“…However, adoption of this practice has been hampered by the cost of purchasing and applying the product and variability in efficacy due to crop factors and environmental conditions. In theory, field monitoring to locate "hot spots" of activity, including the use of traps to determine peak CBB flight times, can help growers target B. bassiana applications during periods when the CBB is exposed and most vulnerable to infection (Aristizábal et al, 2017a). However, the practicality and effectiveness of field monitoring to support spray decisions for the CBB have not been determined in this region.…”