White coffee stem borer

The White coffee stem borer (Anthores leuconotus) is a destructive wood-boring beetle belonging to the family Cerambycidae. This pest is a significant threat to coffee production, particularly in East Africa, where it causes extensive mortality among coffee trees by tunneling into the main stems and roots.

The host range of Anthores leuconotus is primarily limited to coffee trees (Coffea spp.). While adults feed on the bark of young twigs, the larvae represent the most damaging life stage, as they bore deep into the woody tissues of the tree, creating complex galleries that disrupt nutrient and water transport.

The lifecycle of the beetle is relatively long, often spanning one to two years depending on environmental conditions. Female beetles deposit eggs into small slits made in the bark near the base of the tree. Upon hatching, the larvae immediately tunnel into the wood, where they remain protected until they complete their development into pupae and eventually adults.

The damage caused by this borer is progressive and often leads to the total loss of the tree. Initial symptoms include the accumulation of sawdust-like frass at the base of the plant. As the infestation advances, the tree's vigor declines significantly, branches break easily, and yield is drastically reduced, eventually leading to plant death.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is essential for controlling this beetle. Because the larvae are hidden inside the stem, contact pesticides have limited efficacy.

• Systematic field scouting to identify infestation holes.
• Mechanical removal and burning of heavily infested trees.
• Physical barriers on stems to prevent egg-laying.
• Regular pruning to maintain orchard hygiene.