Weather based forewarning models for coffee berry borer and shot hole borer in Wayanad, Kerala

Abstract

Pest damage due to coffee berry borer and shot hole borer in coffee plantations in Regional Coffee Research Station, Chundale and data on weather parameters were recorded during 1977 to 2007 (30 years). These long- term data on the pest damage and weather parameters were utilized to study the influence of weather variables on coffee berry and shot hole borer incidence with a view to develop weather based forewarning models for coffee berry borer and shot hole borer damage in Wayanad. The damage of coffee berry borer (CBB) was observed to be significant during January to March while the damage of shot hole borer (SHB) was spread during January to April and October to December. Highest percent damage of coffee berry borer and shot hole borer was observed during first fortnight of January. Maximum damage due to coffee berry borer was observed during 1982 and maximum damage due to shot hole borer was observed in 1994. Maximum temperature recorded during the first fortnight of January is predominant weather variable determining infestation of shot hole borer during first fortnight of January. Harvest and budding stages of the crop suffered heavy incidence of coffee berry borer and shot hole borer, respectively.