Resistance and effect of insecticide-treated coffee berries of different varieties to the penetration of Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Abstract

The control of Hypothenemus hampei, coffee berry borer (CBB) is difficult as the insects infest inside coffee berries and are thus protected from agrochem icals. Coffee varieties with an increased penetration time by H. hampei can help control this pest tends to be exposed insecticide action for long time. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the time taken by H. hampei to entirely penetrate berries of different coffee varieties and whether insecticides have any influence on the penetration time. Thus, twenty five berries of 27 coffee varieties in the green phenological stage were introduced in rubber caps, with the berry crown exposed.. From this experiment, seven varieties were selected for another bioassay, with insecticides being sprayed on the berries. Copulated female H. hampei were released on the berry, and the penetration time was assessed. Finally, a free-choice test to verify H. hampei food preference was performed, using the same seven coffee varieties. The insects took longer to penetrate the Arara, Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144, and Guará coffee-variety berries. Moreover, all coffee varieties treated with the insecticide cyantraniliprole inhibited penetration by H. hampei. Most coffee varieties treated with insecticides showed a prolonged penetration time by H. hampei compared to the same untreated ones, except for the chlorpyrifos insecticide in the Catuaí IAC 144 and IAC 62 varieties. Additionally, H. hampei showed no feeding preference among the different tested coffee varieties.