Pesticide evaluation for the management of coffee pests Coffea arabica L. in Jinotega, Nicaragua

Abstract

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is of great importance to Nicaragua in aspect of economically, socially and environmentally, representing approximately 25% of exports. Coffee growing is considered one of the main sources of employment, reaching 63% in rural areas and around 14% nationwide. Coffee cultivation is vulnerable to arthropod pests and microbiological agents that affect leaves, stems, roots and fruits, causing losses in yields. The coffee fruit borer (Hypothenemus hampei, Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the main coffee pest insect in the country due to damage to the coffee fruits and high cost due to its management. Following in importance, the mealybug (Planococcus spp) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), which infests leaf and flower buds, in severe infestations, causes leaf yellowing, bud wilting and fruit abortion. Finally, the scales (Coccus viridis, Green) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), insects with a wide range of distribution and abundant in the dry season, cause losses due to vigor, dwarfism and a reduction in the number of fruits per plant. This study had the purpose of contributing to the management of coffee pests through the evaluation of chemical, botanical and biological insecticides. The evaluated variables in this study were: number of brocade fruits and number of scales and mealybugs per plant. The results indicate that the best insecticides for the management of coffee bit, scales and mealybugs were Galil followed by Cormoran and Ecobiol, which were also the most profitable treatments.