Mortality of Coffee Berry Borer, Hypothenemus hampei in Field, with Pre and Post Application of Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Associated to Emulsifiers

Abstract

The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari, 1867) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) presents a cryptic life cycle, which occurs all within the fruit, which makes its control a difficult task. For this reason, one of the methods that has stood out is the biological control through the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). However, the efficiency of this fungus is conditioned to environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation, temperature, humidity, concentration, correct application, among others. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the mortality of coffee berry borer, pre and post application of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana associated with emulsifiers under field conditions. The experiments were conducted in three farms in different locations. The fungus isolate used was the PL63, and emulsifiers (Gum arabic and X1) evaluated were gum arabic and X1 (product subject to patent). Two modes of application were performed: pre and post the coffee berry borer release. In the pre-application, the fungi were mixed in with the emulsifiers and the pure, and after thirty minutes, the coffee berry borer was released. In the post-application, it released the insects, and after 24 hours, the fungus was applied with the emulsifiers and pure. All treatments tested showed coffee berry borer mortality; the emulsifying agents (Gum and X1) in admixture with the fungus B. bassiana, did not increase the mortality of coffee berry borer; the application of the fungus B. bassiana before the entry of the drill into the coffee fruit, resulted in higher mortality.