Coffee berry borer

Hypothenemus aulmanni is a member of the Curculionidae family, specifically the subfamily Scolytinae. This beetle is a known agricultural pest that primarily attacks coffee berries. Its ability to thrive within the fruit makes it one of the most challenging insects to manage for coffee farmers globally.

The primary hosts for this beetle are plants of the genus Coffea. The pest focuses its destructive activity on the developing and ripening berries. By boring into the seeds, it compromises the commercial value of the coffee harvest, leading to significant economic losses for agricultural businesses.

The life cycle of the insect is completed inside the berry. The female beetle tunnels into the endosperm and deposits eggs. Larvae hatch and begin feeding on the internal tissues, progressing through their developmental stages within the safety of the coffee bean before emerging as adults to start the cycle again.

Damage is characterized by entry holes found on the fruit surface. Inside, the larvae and adults create a complex system of tunnels, often contaminated by frass, which promotes the growth of secondary fungal pathogens. This results in the degradation of the bean, making it unfit for processing and trade.

• Regular field monitoring to detect initial infestations.
• Sanitation, including the removal and destruction of infested berries.
• Application of entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana.
• Deployment of baited traps to monitor and reduce adult populations.

Management of Hypothenemus aulmanni requires a multifaceted approach. Integrating cultural practices with biological controls is essential to maintain sustainable production levels and mitigate the impact of this pest on coffee quality and farm profitability.