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Imprint
Biology and chemical ecology of Phymastichus coffea LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a parasitoid of adult coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)
Project
Project code: DFG 19555274
Contract period: 01.01.2006
- 31.12.2010
Purpose of research: Basic research
In conclusion, the results of this project indicate the following: (i) in East Africa P. nasuta is clearly the most important parasitoid, but possibly its efficacy in the Americas is severely hampered by a prevalent cultural control practice; (ii) there is still scope for discovery of new natural enemies of H. hampei in Africa as illustrated by our results on the predatory thrips K. flavipes; (iii) studying the thermal tolerance of H. hampei, using a newly developed laboratory‐based rearing methodology that mimics field conditions, allowed us to make important inferences on the impact of climate change on the potential future pest status of H. hampei. In general our results show that for the development of comprehensive biological control of an invasive tropical herbivore like H. hampei investigations need to target both the new distribution range of the pest as well as its aboriginal home. In the future, studies on the coffee berry borer should focus on a sound understanding of its ecology in general, and especially its chemical ecology. This could lead to for instance to improved monitoring tools/ traps. Of additional importance are the assumed interactions of the borers with microorganisms in the coffee agro‐ecosystem. We believe that these two areas could be key in the development of a more robust and comprehensive integrated control against the pest both in its aboriginal home in Africa as well as in its new distribution areas in the Americas and Asia.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Protection
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute of Horticultural Production Systems Department Phytomedicine (IPP)
