Effective Density of Lure Trap Against Coffee Berry Borer Infesting Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica Linn.) in Benguet, Philippines

Abstract

One major insect pest of Arabica coffee is coffee berry borer (CBB) which was recorded present in Benguet Arabica coffee farms. Previous study revealed that 28 to 47% of these farms were infested with CBB in 2011 to 2014. The management of CBB using lure trap was found effective in other coffee producing countries but yet to be proven locally. This study evaluated the use of lure trap in Arabica coffee farms in Atok and La Trinidad, Benguet in 2018. This study aimed to determine the appropriate number of lure traps per 50 coffee trees. Specifically, to determine the duration of methanol and ethanol lure solution in the traps, population of coffee berry borer trapped, and the effect of lure traps on the percent infestation of coffee berries. Results showed that the duration of the methanol: ethanol lure solution differed in the two locations with the lure solution lasting longer in La Trinidad. The use of 4 lure traps per 50 trees recorded the highest population of adult female CBB trapped in both locations. Meanwhile, the percent infestation was lowest with the use of 4 lure traps per 50 trees in Atok. Therefore, it is recommended to use 4 lure traps per 50 coffee trees to Arabica coffee production areas similar to Atok, Benguet conditions against CBB. Results of the study could serve as basis for further research on the use of methanol: ethanol lure trap in managing CBB in different Arabica coffee production areas.