Population dynamics and distribution of the coffee berry borer, <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i> (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) on <i>Coffea arabica</i> L. in Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Population dynamics and distribution of coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) were studied on Coffea arabica L. in southwestern region of Ethiopia. Thirty coffee trees were sampled at weekly intervals from 2000 to 2001. Findings of this study showed that coffee berry borer population had a marked seasonal variation both on dry leftover and fallen coffee berries. Number of adult borers on dry leftover berries was significantly higher than on fallen berries (χ²= 3.89, P < 0.05). All the developmental stages of the borer were more abundant during January to August. There were seasonal differences in the relative abundance of pre-brood, brood and post-brood female borers. Weather factors showed a marked influence on the population dynamics of the borer. Distribution of the borer covered a wide range of altitudes ranging from 1200–1770 m.a.s.l.

Key words/phrases: Coffee berry borer, Coffea arabica, Ethiopia, Hypothenemus hampei, population dynamics

SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol. 27 (2) 2004: 127–134