Coffee berry borer

Coccotrypes robustus is a member of the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae, specifically within the subfamily Scolytinae. This beetle is a significant agricultural pest known for targeting the seeds of coffee trees, causing substantial economic losses in the coffee production industry globally.

The host range of this insect is primarily focused on the fruits of coffee plants (Coffea species). The beetles specifically attack the berries, targeting the developing seeds within the fruit. Because they feed on the endosperm, they directly impact the product that is the basis for commercial coffee manufacturing.

The biology of this species is characterized by its endophytic lifestyle. The female beetle bores into the coffee berry, typically near the peduncle, and creates a tunnel system to lay eggs. The entire life cycle, including larval development, pupation, and the emergence of the next generation of adults, occurs inside the single fruit.

Damage is recognized by the presence of tiny entry holes on the berry surface. Inside the fruit, the larvae create irregular galleries, consuming the embryo and endosperm. This damage renders the coffee bean useless for processing and creates entry points for secondary pathogens that may lead to the total rotting of the berries.

Management strategies focus on preventing population explosions through an integrated approach:

• Strict sanitation protocols, including the removal and destruction of fallen and infested berries to break the life cycle.
• Utilization of pheromone-based traps to monitor population density and reduce adult numbers.
• Application of entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, which infect and kill the beetles.
• Encouraging timely harvesting practices to ensure that fruits are not left on trees for long periods, which reduces the time available for beetle colonization.