Dorisiana drewseni

Dorisiana drewseni is a species of cicada within the Cicadidae family (order Hemiptera). Known primarily as a pest of agricultural interest in tropical and subtropical regions, it requires specific monitoring in coffee-growing systems where its impact on tree health can be significant.

The primary hosts of this insect are plants belonging to the Coffea genus. Both the nymph and adult stages derive nutrients from the host plant. While nymphs remain subterranean for an extended period, adults reside in the canopy, leading to a multi-level stress factor for the coffee trees.

The life cycle is characterized by a long developmental phase underground, where nymphs feed on roots, causing hidden damage to the root system. Once they emerge as adults, they focus on reproductive activities, including the deposition of eggs directly into the plant stems, which serves as a major entry point for secondary pathogens.

The damage caused by Dorisiana drewseni is two-fold: direct sap depletion leading to stunted growth and leaf chlorosis, and physical structural damage. The egg-laying process causes necrosis in the branches, which weakens the overall structure of the tree and can lead to branch dieback and decreased coffee berry production.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective approach for controlling this pest. Recommended strategies include:

• Regular field scouting to detect adult cicada presence.
• Pruning and destroying branches containing egg masses.
• Applying entomopathogenic fungi to the soil to target developing nymphs.
• Maintaining robust soil health to help trees recover from root damage.