Evaluation of chemical management of shot hole borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) in Coffee plantation

Abstract

Coffee shot hole borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) is one the serious pest that causes significant economic loss in coffee. These beetles possess a symbiotic association with a fungus which helps them to feed and live in the young twigs of coffee. Insecticides and fungicides are used as the preventive spray after pruning as these insects infest a stressed plant. This study evaluated the efficacy of solo insecticide and fungicide and their combination against the coffee shot hole borer. Among the different treatments, Chlorpyrifos 20 EC along with propiconazole 25 EC (2 ml+ 1 ml) resulted in less number of dead shoots (2.19) and a 64.13 % reduction over control when compared to control with 6.82 dead shoots after 45 days after application of chemicals. This was followed by Chlorpyrifos alone with 2.53 dead shoots and a 58.56 % reduction over control. Though significant control was observed, one can't rely solely on insecticides to control shot hole bores as the percent reduction over control ranged between 38.45 to 64.13 per cent. Proper agronomic practices coupled with the use of monitoring, mass trapping along with push and pull strategies will aid in the management of these beetles effectively.