Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) trapping in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) with artisan traps at el Paraíso, Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate three proportions of alcohol in traps with one and three windows and two different colors to capture Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari in Coffea arabica L. plants. Design/methodology/approach: The experiment followed a completely randomized design with a complete factorial arrangement and four replications. From March to July 2007, three mixtures of ethyl: methyl alcohol were evaluated in different proportions (1: 0, 0: 1 and 1: 1). In addition, green and transparent traps were used, designed with a single or three windows. The number of captured coffee berry borers, water loss, attractant evaporation and damaged fruits percentage was evaluated. The data were analyzed through an analysis of variance and a test of means differences (Tukey, p ? 0.05). Results: The mixture of ethyl: methyl alcohol 1: 1 was the best, with an average catch of 980 trapped - insects week-1. The single window of transparent color traps was the most efficient to avoid water loss, with an average loss of 1,129.79 mL and 905 mL respectively. Limitations on study/implications: The design and color of the traps did not influence the capture efficiency and the evaporation of the attractant during the evaluated months. Therefore, it should be further evaluated during other important phenological stages for the crop. Findings/conclusions: Transparent color traps with a window and 1: 1 ethyl: methyl alcohol were efficient for capturing H. hampei and lowering their population.