NON-CHEMICAL METHODS FOR COFFEE BERRY BORER CONTROL AND THE TRANSFER OF THIS TECHNOLOGY IN THE HIGHLANDS OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Abstract

Products based on the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) as a method of management to control the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), in organic production systems in Los Altos de Chiapas, have been used without formal tests in the field. As a result, producers an the social organizations that promote the method have doubts about its efficiency. This study presents an evaluation of non-chemical management of the coffee berry borer, as well as the transfer of this technology, in 45 plots of coffee, Coffea arabica, established in producers? fields. The results show that picking and elimination of infested fruits, and biological control using the fungus, did not have the same efficiency in all plots. In the high (805.0 kg ha-1) and medium (402.5 kg ha-1) production plots the management methods did not reduce the coffee berry borer infestation, while in the low (172.5 kg ha-1) production plots, only the cultural control resulted in a reduction in the pest during the productive period (June - July). Picking and elimination of infested fruits appears to be a viable option for controlling the coffee berry borer when it is well conducted. In addition, this method is economically viable, especially when the production is oriented to organic coffee. The failure of B. bassiana, was due to low spore viability and product impurity. Training of farmers is necessary, with special attention to sampling and control techniques for the pest.