Predation by Flat Bark Beetles (Coleoptera: Silvanidae and Laemophloeidae) on Coffee Berry Borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Hawaii coffee

Authors: Follett, Peter; KAWABATA, ANDREA - University Of Hawaii; NELSON, ROBERT - Farmer; Asmus, Glenn; BURT, JENNIFER - University Of Hawaii; GOCHTKE, KELLY - University Of Hawaii; EWING, CURTIS - University Of Hawaii; GAERTNER, JULIE - University Of Hawaii; BRILL, EVA - University Of Hawaii; Geib, Scott

Submitted to: Biological Control
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/14/2016
Publication Date: 7/5/2016
Citation: Follett, P.A., Kawabata, A., Nelson, R., Asmus, G.M., Burt, J., Gochtke, K., Ewing, C., Gaertner, J., Brill, E., Geib, S.M. 2016. Predation by Flat Bark Beetles (Coleoptera: Silvanidae and Laemophloeidae) on Coffee Berry Borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Hawaii coffee. Biological Control. 101:152-158.

Interpretive Summary: Coffee berry borer(CBB) is a serious pest of coffee worldwide and a new invasive pest in Hawaii. Adult flat bark beetles, mainly Leptophloeus sp.(75%) and Cathartus quadricollis(21%) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae and Silvanidae, respectively), were found feeding in CBB-infested coffee beans on the tree and molecular marker studies confirmed feeding on CBB. Research was conducted to better understand the ecology of these predators and explore ways to increase their role in suppressing CBB populations in coffee. Adult and larval flat bark beetles fed on all CBB life stages in the laboratory. The predators are widely distributed in the coffee growing areas on the island of Hawaii, but feed mainly in dried coffee on the tree rather than in ripening cherry where initial crop damage occurs. The predators are not susceptible to the fungal biopesticide Beauveria bassiana which is used for field control of CBB in coffee. Leptophloeus sp. and C.quadricollis can be raised on a cracked corn-cornmeal diet. A raise and release program was started with C.quadricollis by providing farmers with a predator starter kit, and >200 kits were distributed to coffee farmers. Augmentative releases of generalist flat bark beetles predators that are easily reared like Leptophloeus sp. and C.quadricollis may be a useful component of an integrated pest management program for other scolytine pests.

Technical Abstract: Coffee berry borer(CBB), Hypothenemus hampei, is a serious pest of coffee worldwide and a new invasive pest in Hawaii. Adult flat bark beetles, mainly Leptophloeus sp.(75%) and Cathartus quadricollis(21%) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae and Silvanidae, respectively), were found feeding in CBB-infested coffee beans on the tree and molecular marker studies confirmed feeding on CBB. Research was conducted to better understand the ecology of these predators and explore ways to increase their role in suppressing CBB populations in coffee. Feeding assays demonstrated the capacity for adult and larval flat bark beetles to feed on all CBB life stages in the laboratory. The predators are widely distributed in the coffee growing areas on the island of Hawaii, but feed mainly in dried coffee on the tree rather than in ripening cherry where initial crop damage occurs. Berlese funnel extraction of flat bark beetles from dried beans on the tree indicated that predator numbers can be extraordinarily high (up to 25 adult predators per 150 bean sample). The predators are not susceptible to the fungal biopesticide Beauveria bassiana which is used for field control of CBB in coffee. Leptophloeus sp. and C.quadricollis can be raised on a cracked corn-cornmeal diet. A raise and release program was started with C. quadricollis by providing farmers with a predator starter kit, and >200 kits were distributed to coffee farmers. Augmentative releases of generalist flat bark beetles predators that are easily reared like Leptophloeus sp. and C.quadricollis may be a useful component of an integrated pest management program for other scolytine pests.