Country: United States

Title: Detection of Hypothenemus hampei, Coffee Berry Borer, in Kona, Hawaii

Contact:
Kristian Rondeau, Western Regional Program Manager, at (970) 494-7563 or Valerie DeFeo, National Program Manager, at (301) 734-3393

Report: On September 8, 2010, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine confirmed the identification of coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, in Kona, Hawaii.

APHIS is working closely with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to determine the source and the extent of the infestation. Delimiting surveys continue on Kona, as well as detection surveys on nearby islands that grow host material. APHIS is participating in a technical working group, consisting of subject matter experts, to evaluate the current science of the pest.

The coffee berry borer is native to Africa and is found in most coffee-growing countries of the world. It was first reported in the United States from Puerto Rico in August 2007. An adult female can bore a hole in coffee berries and lay 30 to 50 eggs within the berry. Larval feeding on the seed greatly reduces yields and quality. There is a 10:1 female to male sex ratio, and after pupae emerge as adults, sibling mating occurs inside the berry with inseminated adult females emerging in search of berries to oviposit. Unharvested berries and berries that have fallen to the ground can harbor the pest. The insect could possibly be transported in burlap bags containing coffee beans with the husk remaining.

Under IPPC standards, Hypothenemus hampei is considered to be a pest that is transient: actionable, under surveillance in the United States.
 

Posted Date: Oct. 26, 2010, 9 a.m.