Coffee Berry Borer: the Global Importance of the Pest and Potential for Ecoregiona l Research Collaboration Towards Environmentally-Friendly Strategies for Its Management

Abstract

The Coffee Berry Borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), originally reported in France in the trade coffee during the 1860s, has become a serious pest of coffee in most of the cropping areas in the world, especially in the tropics. This pest (CBB) is known to be important in southern/central America (Colombia, Brazil, Jamaica, Sri Lanka) and Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Gabon, Congo). Research has so far been mainly focused on the evaluation of chemical insecticides for CBB control, insecticide resistance monitoring and biological control with parasitoids and fungal pathogens. While these approaches have shown potential for appreciable control of CBB in southern America, there is scope for exploring the use of additional eco-friendly and sustainable options like semio-chemicals, botanicals and habitat management strategies. ICIPE seeks to undertake collaborative research with interested regional and national partners in CBB research in Africa (starting with Kenya) and in southern America (such as Colombia) and Asia (such as India) and Pacific. Interestingly, in Kenya resort to beneficial cultural practices, and the use of effective insecticides for CBB control have in the interim been regarded as satisfactory, but more recent assessment indicates that there is need to involve additional components for sustainable long-term management. This paper discusses the background for the different IPM components and highlights the potential role of such collaboration towards developing more holistic strategies for CBB management globally