Bio-Ecological and Management Studies of Coffee Berry Borer, Hypothenemus Hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, coffee is important to the economy of the country and also millions of the population relying on for their livelihood. Besides its importance, coffee production has constraints with number of biotic factors of which insect pests are the major ones. The present review was designed to summarize studies conducted on bio ecology and management of coffee berry borer in the country. The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei is a small black beetle that attacks the fruits of C. arabica. The first occurrence of coffee berry borer in Ethiopia was reported by Davidson. H. hampei is a pest of immature and mature coffee berries, causing no damage to the leaves, branches or stem. Attack by H. hampei begins at the apex of the coffee berry. The female beetle bores through the berry into the bean and lays eggs in the tunnel. Total number of eggs laid per female ranged from 20 to 40 eggs with a mean of 32 + 0.3 eggs. Large-scale coffee plantations, research centers and smallscale farmers’ showed a considerable variation in the level of damage. Creating an atmosphere that is not conducive to borer breeding and reducing primary sources of infestation are very important to reduce pest attack. Shade tree regulation and pruning can reduce the populations and also exposing them to attack by the natural enemies. Insect traps play an important role in monitoring and minimizing the borer. Beavaria bassiana which are efficient are considered to be good candidate on selecting biopesticides agents. In general, vigorous research needs to be taken to update the biology and management of coffee berry borer especially biological method. As Ethiopia is the centre of origin and diversity of Arabica coffee, there is a potential to find natural enemies and tolerant varieties against the pest.