Development of a mass-rearing technique for the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemushampei ferrari (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

The suitability of kernel, seed and dry coffee bean with 30-40% moisture content as rearing media was determined. In addition, two types of containers (tampah bamboo plates and plastic containers) and three types of holding cabinets (tampah, cabinet with controller or uncontrolled humidity) were evaluated. The life cycle of coffee berry borer (CBB) or kernel, the best rearing medium, was also determined. The cycle from egg to egg on coffee kernelat laboratory temperature of 30.99 deg celsius was completed in 42.92+or - 0.97 days. The total period from egg to death of adult was 47.22 +or- 12.56 days for males and 81.21 +or- 13.85 days for females. Sex ratio (male to female) was 1:3.88. Preoviposition period was 16.79 days. Fecundity per female ranged from 8 to 47 with a mean of 27.85 +or- 7.54 eggs during 15 to 53 days oviposition period. females died 2-16 days after the egg-laying period. Egg hatchability was 63.28%. Increase in CBB population was highest on coffee kernel, followed by coffee seed and lowest on dry coffee bean. Tampah bamboo plate was better than plastic container per placement of the rearing medium and tampah cabinet was the best for holding the insect cultures. Using this set-up, the average population growth of CBB was 454% (4.54 times) per month. CBB could not develop on coffee materials with less than 31% moisture content. The desired moisture content was maintained by spraying sterilized water on the kernel. A moisture content much higher than 31% was more favorable for CBB development in the laboratory, but it also favored development of molds and mites which reduced CBB population. Fungicide and acaricide treatments of the kernel rearing medium at minimum recommended dose of chlorothalonil (75%) 1g/1 + propargite (57%) 1 ml/1 were effective in preventing mold and mite development, but they also caused low mortality of the beetles.