Project Number: 1275-22000-189-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Dec 29, 2001
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Continue exploration and evaluation of microbial control agents and research aimed at understanding the basic biology of the coffee berry borer with the long-term goal of developing innovative biological control methods against this insect. In cooperation with collaborators, such as the National Coffee Research Centre (Cenicafe) in Columbia, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (Ecosur) in Mexico, arrange for field trials of techniques developed in the laboratory.

Approach:
Borers of coffee and cacao represent a significant economic loss to farmers. The principal investigator should continue the program of exploration and evaluation of biological control agents of coffee borer, including potential pathogenic agents. Research will be aimed at the development of innovative biological control techniques such as the use of fungal endophytes. Collaborations with cooperators such as Ecosur (Mexico) Cenicafe (Columbis), and Purdue University will be established to further understand the basic biology of the coffee berry borer, including molecular aspects, effects of avidin on the insect, exploration for microbial control agents, factors responsible for insect attraction to coffee berries, etc. Other insects pests deemed appropriate, including cocoa insects, are also legitimate subjects of investigation. A cooperative agreement will be established with the Milwaukee Public Museum to obtain understanding of Theobroma cacao pollinators, understand the role of insects and mycoflora in a tropical environment and study the role of other insects as vectors.

Project Team

Vega, Fernando Rehner, Stephen

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002

Related National Programs

Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

Related Projects

Metabolites from Coffee Fungal Endophytes    Theobroma Cacao: Biodiversity in Full and Partial Forest Canopy