Correlation between numbers captured and infestation levels of the Coffee Berry-borer, Hypothenemus hampei: A preliminary basis for an action threshold using baited traps

Abstract

Sampling techniques currently used to determine control measures for the Coffee Berry-borer (CBB) are time-consuming and allow the grower only a small window of opportunity to select other options. Experiments were conducted in four coffee fields between 2005 and 2007 using IAPAR® traps that were baited with ethanol and methanol (1 : 3 ratio) and benzaldehyde at 1% volume, to test for a correlation between the number of captured adults and infestation levels of CBB, and to determine the action threshold level. For this study, a density 20 traps/ha was used in each experimental area. The number of CBBs captured and infestation level on coffee berries were recorded every 2 weeks. Significant correlation was observed between the trap capture and the infestation level of the CBB in the field. This correlation can enable us to determine action thresholds using traps as sampling methods. Trap catch was very low in all four fields during fruit maturation between March and July, and it increased sharply in August when the CBB emerged from the dry berries that remained on the plants or on the ground.

Keywords:

• attractant
• benzaldehyde
• Coffee Berry Borer
• ethanol
• methanol
• semiochemical
• trapping
• Scolytidae

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the farmers who provided the areas for the experiments. Special thanks to Dr Bernard Dufour, Dr Tederson L. Galvan, and to the unknown reviewers for their valuable comments. We also thank Dr Tito Bacca for helping on the identification of the other scolytids, and Dr Marcelo Picanço for his suggestions to make the experiment possible. The research was funded by the “Professional Improvement Council” (CAPES) for the Masters’ program assistantship awarded to the first author of this manuscript.