Parasitism of Cephalonomia stephanoderis Betrem on populations of Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) at infestation low levels in the field

Abstract

The effect of the parasitoid Cephalonomia stephanoderis Betrem on low-level populations of the coffee berry borer Hypothenemos hampei (Ferrari) was studied in CENICAFE and in two 1 ha arabica (var Colombia) coffee plots of coffee farro in Caldas, Colombia. One plot was a control managed according to the criteria of the administrator of the farm and included four applications of endosulfan and two of the fungus Beauberia bassiana. In the other plot, the only control measure was to release about 2 million parasitoids over the course of a year. In both plots, there were regular monthly collections of ripe berries. The parasitoids established themselves in the plot at infestation levels of < 5%. Throughout the year there were no significant differences in infestation between the two plots. There were significant reduction in the number of biological stages of H. hampei in berries collected from the tree and ground, especially towards the end of the study period. Percentage parasitism varied between 3,6 and 18,2 % (mean 10,2%) in tree berries and O to 8% (mean 3,4%) in-ground berries. These results are discussed in relation to their possible incorporation into an integrated management program for the borer.