Biology, behavior, natural enemies and management of the coffee branch-breaking weevil, Ecnomorhinus quasimodus Vanin, 1986 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Otidocephalinae)
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Abstract
The weevil Ecnomorhinus quasimodus Vanin, 1986, is an emerging pest in coffee crops in northern Nariño, Colombia, between 1,700 m and 2,200 m above sea level. The larvae sweep the pith and damage the vascular bundles, weakening the branches until they break under the weight of the fruits. Therefore, the biology, behavior, natural enemies, and host plants of E. quasimodus were studied to evaluate the effectiveness of sanitary pruning as a control strategy in infested coffee plantations. The study was conducted over a year in three affected coffee plots on a farm in the municipality of Colón (Nariño). The insect's developmental stages were described, its populations were monitored, natural enemies and hosts were identified, and sanitary pruning was evaluated to reduce its incidence. The weevil's biological cycle was completed in approximately 4.5 months and included the egg, larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult stages, all of which developed within the branches. Peaks in egg laying occurred in May, November, and December, coinciding with increased rainfall. Parasitoids of eggs (Heterospilus sp.) and larvae (Goniozus sp. and Horismenus sp.) were recorded. In addition to coffee (Coffea arabica), eight plant species were identified as alternate hosts. Sanitary pruning reduced the incidence of infestation from 26% to 0.11%. It is recommended to combine this practice with biological conservation control, avoiding the use of insecticides, which could aggravate the problem by affecting the weevil's natural enemies.
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