Pre-emptive Management Approach of Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) in Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica Linnaeus) in Atok, Benguet

Abstract

Coffee production in the Cordilleras earned high economic value. However, coffee production also faces inevitable loss due to pest infestation, as such is coffee berry borer (CBB). Thus, a systematic management strategy is needed. The study identified appropriate pre-emptive management approach in combatting coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) in Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica Linnaeus) in Atok, Benguet. The coffee plants were maintained for almost 20 years and there were no berries during the conduct of the study. The use of 4 lure trap per 50 coffee trees caught the highest population of CBB with a mean of 272.50. Likewise, the highest peak of female adult CBB population was recorded on the 7th week of monitoring just after the flowering stage of the coffee trees. The source of CBB was from the fallen berries, dried berries, and unripe berries that were present within the coffee plantation. There were 23 different species of other insects collected in the lure traps belonging to six orders and 18 families. From the insects collected, there were no other pests recorded from the coffee beans but pests of grains, vegetables, and various fruits. It is recommended that using 4 lure traps per 50 coffee trees and set it earlier during the months of dearth period to double the effects of the lure trap in mass reduction of CBB. Likewise, all left-over berries on the branches of the coffee trees including the fallen berries on the ground should be removed or collected to prevent source of infestation for the next season.