Abstract

Coffee (Coffea sp.) is one of the most important agricultural commodities in the world. It is
cultivated in more than 80 countries throughout the tropics, and plays an important role in the
economy of these countries. Insect pest outbreaks are a limiting factor for coffee production and
a big concern to coffee-producing countries because they reduce yields and cause significant
losses. Only in Brazil that typically produces around 30% of the world’s coffee supply, losses
due to insects have been estimated at U.S. $900 million annually. In this chapter, we addressed
nine of the most important pests of coffee worldwide. Aspects such as the basic biology, damage

· COMMON COFFEE PESTS

Insects generally weaken coffee beans and reduce density. The bites from insects also open
coffee plants up to secondary infection from fungi and other microorganisms. Infestation by
insects not only reduces yield, but can have a considerable effect on coffee profile, with
reduction in quality of flavor and aroma

These tiny black beetles are present in almost all coffee-producing countries, where they
burrow inside coffee cherries. They are very difficult to manage with insecticides coffee
because they are protected by the cherries.

The insects spread worldwide from Africa alongside coffee crops as far back as the 16th
century. Café de Colombia states that this pest has caused the most damage to throughout
history.
Control of this pest has been hindered by two main factors: the cryptic nature of the insect (i.e.,
protected inside the coffee berry) and the availability of coffee berries in the field allowing the
survival of the pest from one generation to the next. Coffee berry borer control has primarily

been based on the use of synthetic ecticides ...

Coffee Leaf Miner Coffee leaf miners are two related species of moth – Leucoptera coffeella,
which is prevalent in Latin America, and Leucoptera caffeina, which is found in African
producing countries.

They affect the leaves of the coffee plant. Café de Colombia explains that coffee leaf miner
larvae eat coffee leaves. If several live on the same leaf, it may suffer necrosis of up to 90% of its
structure. Necrosis is the death of cells and it appears as dark watery spots or brown papery
patches.

Defoliation affects the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Without photosynthesis, the plant can’t
grow properly. Fruit may not mature and the overall yield is likely to be much lower. If immature
or dead beans make it into the final brew, they can create bitterness and astringency.
Control Method of Leaf Miner Pests The most common method to rid plants of leaf miners is to
spray general pesticide on the infected plants. The trick to this method of how to kill leaf
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are a group of insects that feed on a variety of trees and plants. In coffee, they attack
various parts, including branches, nodes, leaves, roots, and flower clusters.

They feed on the sap of the coffee plant and secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants. This
substance also leads to the formation of a black mold that covers leaves and can reduce
photosynthesis.

Reduced sap uptake, circulation, and photosynthesis stresses coffee plants and they tend to
produce light or immature beans. This can result in astringency, a metallic taste, or bitterness in
the cup.

Coffee mealybugs have been found in Africa, Australia, Asia, and Central and South America.
Many other strategies can help prevent mealybug infestations on your plants:

Reducing feeding and watering may sometimes prevent mealybugs since it reduces nitrogen
levels and hardens a plant's growth.
Wiping foliage regularly with a leaf shine solution containing neem oil may prevent mealybugs
on susceptible plant species.
With plants that can tolerate such treatment, regular spraying with hard blasts of water can
prevent mealybug infestations from taking hold.

Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic worm-like parasites. There are several species that attack the root
system of coffee plants and feed on their sap. Nematodes can form knots in the roots that prevent
the plant from properly absorbing water and nutrients.

Infestation can cause reduced roots, defoliation, and general lack of health in the plants. This can
mean low yield and light beans