Implementing an Integrated Pest Management Program for Coffee Berry Borer in a Specialty Coffee Plantation in Colombia

Efforts to implement an integrated pest management (IPM) program for coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) in a 110-ha coffee plantation in the Huila region of Colombia are discussed. Hands-on training was provided for farm staff and harvest workers managing production in >80 coffee lots. Participants attended workshops describing pest management strategies, based on prior research and recommendations of the National Coffee Research Center in Colombia (Cenicafe). The training program focused on cultural practices, i.e., efficient harvesting of mature berries to eliminate coffee berry borer habitats, along with establishing a comprehensive monitoring program to reduce chemical insecticides and encouraging use of a biological-based insecticide. Participants implemented postharvest techniques by screening harvested berries and pulp pits to physically exclude adult coffee berry borers. The rationale was that adopting new practices would enable growers to transition away from chemical insecticides. Results over 3 yr showed widespread adoption of cultural, physical, and biological control methods. Overall, the IPM program was considered successful because problems associated with insect damage on the coffee crop decreased, despite reductions in endosulfan/chlorpyrifos use, which declined from 250 liters in 2002 to 75 liters in 2003, and 0 liters in 2004. Concurrently, Beauveria bassiana increased from 20 kg in 2002 to 80 kg in 2004. Harvest workers improved their efficiency at removing potential coffee berry borer breeding sites (leaving only 6.5 mature berries per tree in 2004, down from 22.2 in 2002). The quality of parchment coffee beans increased (insect damage was 2.3% in 2002, 1.7% in 2003, and 0.7% in 2004) whereas the proportion of the harvest sold as high quality 'specialty' coffee increased from 50% to 86% over the same period.