Agroecological management of the coffee borer (Hypothenemus hampei) in Cerro Tula, Comarca Ngäbe Bugle, Panama

Abstract

In order to evaluate techniques and practices of agroecological management of the coffee borer
(H. hampei), a case study was established in the community of Cerro Tula in the Comarca
Ngäbe-Buglé. Between august of 2015 and december of 2016 two plots were sampled monthly:
experimental and witness; In the experimental plot it was agreed: a) to place trap traps, b)
to remove bored grains c) to apply native entomopathogenic fungi, and d) to eliminate coffee
beans after harvesting. The greatest number of trapped borer occurred in April and May with
83 percent of the total. The infestation by borer in the experimental plot decreased from 15.68
to 3.19 percent on average from August to November 2015 and 2016, which contrasts with
the register for the control plot, which in the same period went from 15.60 to 14.26 percent
(p<0.001). The agroecological management of the coffee borer in this agroecosystem, showed
an important degree of effectiveness.