Coffee bean weevil

Systematic position: The coffee bean weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus) belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Anthribidae. It is a cosmopolitan pest of tropical and subtropical origin, often found in global trade shipments of agricultural commodities.

Crops affected: This insect is a highly polyphagous pest. It primarily infests commodities such as coffee beans, cocoa beans, maize, various pulses, peanuts, dried fruits, spices like nutmeg and ginger, and even some medicinal herbs kept in storage.

Biology and life cycle: The lifecycle of the coffee bean weevil includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Adults are strong fliers and are capable of infesting new batches of products. The female deposits eggs inside the grain or fruit tissue. The larva tunnels into the product, feeding on the interior, which provides protection and nourishment until the insect reaches maturity.

Nature of damage: The damage is primarily caused by the feeding larvae, which hollow out seeds and grains. This results in significant weight loss and severe degradation of product quality. Infested products often show multiple circular exit holes on the surface, and secondary infections, such as mold or mite infestations, are common in heavily damaged areas.

Control measures: Effective management relies on rigorous phytosanitary inspection of incoming goods. In storage facilities, maintain optimal temperature and moisture levels to inhibit pest development.

• Fumigation with registered insecticides.
• Regular cleaning of storage areas.
• Use of pheromone traps for monitoring.
• Hermetic storage technology to prevent infestation.