Coffee Berry Borer

• Caused by: A beetle called Hypothenemus hampei
• Occurrence: Although this disease originated in Central Africa, it is now present in about 54 coffee-growing countries around the world. It is one of the most significant and widespread insect pest of the coffee plant.
• Economic loss: This varies with place and time. In 1994/95 in Central America, losses by coffee berry borer amounted to 14% of its total coffee production, which translates into US$328,000,000. (statistics from ICO)
• Part(s) of the plant it affects: Green and ripe berries
• Symptoms: Berries have holes at the bottom, white larvae are found inside of these berries, small black beetles are found around the berries
• Treatment and management: Trapping the beetles, reducing shade, harvesting all fruits at the end of the harvest season, using biological control (such as introducing natural predators of the coffee berry borer, such as Prorops nasuta, C. stephanoderis, Beauveria bassiana)

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