CAN COFFEE VARIETY AFFECT THE POPULATION DYNAMICS OF COFFEE BERRY BORER (HYPOTHENEMUS HAMPEI) ON SAO TOME ISLAND

The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, is serious limitation in organic coffee production in Sao Tome Island in the Gulf of Guinea, limited information regarding this species seasonal phenology on the islands limits the implementation of biological control.In the present study, seven coffee plantations were monitored over two years to describe infestation patterns, penetration rates into coffee berries, and mortality by the entomopathogenic fungus,Beauveria bassiana in two coffea species (C. arabica L.and C. canephoraPierre ex A. Froehner), according to 30-tree sampling of fruits following the CENICAFE method. The results revealed that the borer position within the berries, infestation, and green berries with Beauveria bassianawere significantly affected by coffee variety. The infestation mean across all seven sites was (11.5±3.5% mean ± standard error (SE)), with two sites showing mean infestation <5%. The highest infestation and Beauveria bassianarates per branch monthly were observed in C. arabica L. (Red Caturra, Bourbon and Red Catuai), compared with C. canephoraPierre ex A. Froehner (Robusta) in the months of lower rainfall. Borer immature stages (eggs, larvae and pupae) and adults were found throughout the sampling period. No CBB predator and parasitoids were observed in the survey. The population level and developmental rate indicated that the coffee borer met favorable environmental conditions in the studied areas and control measures are required for reducing damage.