The Coffee black twig borer (BCTB) is an insect pest which causes a lot of damage in Coffee plantations especially in the dry Season. The insect pest multiplys very fast with temperature increase. The adult Coffee twig borer is a small (1 to 2 mm long) shiny black insect that is oval in shape. The beetle spends much of its life inside the Coffee branch/twig and is usually only seen when the branch is broken open.
Background
Female black twig borers tunnel into the current year's twigs, leaving pin-sized entry holes (it mostly damages the young twigs). Once inside, they tunnel through the young Coffee branches. One to three females is enough to kill the twig or branch.
The first signs of infestation are a yellowing of the leaves on a branch. If this is seen then the branch should be inspected for the tiny entrance holes usually located on the branch underside. A whitish pile of dust can sometimes be seen at each hole.
If no holes are visible then try gently bending the branch to test for weakness. The twig will break at the point of entry and occasionally a tiny beetle may be seen. Later signs of infestation are a blackening of the stem and leaves from the entrance hole towards the tip of the branch. Wilting of twigs and branches is usually seen within weeks of infestation.
Management
Cultural control:
Provide good shade
Pruning and burning of beetle-infested plant material is essential.
Good tree care will promote vigor and help in resisting infestation or recovering from infestation.
Chemical control:
Spray the Coffee with very systemic insecticides such as Kohinor 200 SC or Galil 300 SC (the 2 products have the capacity to penetrate the whole plant system and damage the insect pest from its hiding points) . Mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and apply the following way:
Spray young coffee plants the first time one year after transplanting, before flowering.
In older coffee plantations, spra
Background
Female black twig borers tunnel into the current year's twigs, leaving pin-sized entry holes (it mostly damages the young twigs). Once inside, they tunnel through the young Coffee branches. One to three females is enough to kill the twig or branch.
The first signs of infestation are a yellowing of the leaves on a branch. If this is seen then the branch should be inspected for the tiny entrance holes usually located on the branch underside. A whitish pile of dust can sometimes be seen at each hole.
If no holes are visible then try gently bending the branch to test for weakness. The twig will break at the point of entry and occasionally a tiny beetle may be seen. Later signs of infestation are a blackening of the stem and leaves from the entrance hole towards the tip of the branch. Wilting of twigs and branches is usually seen within weeks of infestation.
Management
Cultural control:
Provide good shade
Pruning and burning of beetle-infested plant material is essential.
Good tree care will promote vigor and help in resisting infestation or recovering from infestation.
Chemical control:
Spray the Coffee with very systemic insecticides such as Kohinor 200 SC or Galil 300 SC (the 2 products have the capacity to penetrate the whole plant system and damage the insect pest from its hiding points) . Mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and apply the following way:
Spray young coffee plants the first time one year after transplanting, before flowering.
In older coffee plantations, spra
