Control of coffee berry borer and increase of coffee yields using Surround WP (kaolin)

Control of coffee berry borer and increase of coffee yields using Surround WP (kaolin)

Summary

This year completed what we feel was a successful experiment, although, there were challenges to overcome.  We had found a replacement participant for the farm that dropped out after year 1.  However, when we arrived to the farm to begin collecting data, we learned the farm manager had not been applying our treatments as promised. Thus, we were left with only four participating farms.

Our particating farmers were more diligent with their participation, and nearly all the data generated was trustworthy.  Based on our data, we feel that Surround WP is an effective control mechanism for the coffee berry borer. Unfortunately, with regard to Surround WP increasing coffee yields, the data is not clear. 

• Project coordinator with Surround WP on coffee cherries
• Participating farmer inspecting the harvest while being weighed

Objectives/Performance Targets

Our objectives for the second year were to complete a second year of treatments and data collection, assess the farmers’ confidence in the test product, disseminate the data to the coffee community and produce a manuscript for publication in an academic journal.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Nearly all of our objectives were met!  We completed our experiment, analyzed the data and presented the results to the coffee farming community and greater Hawaii coffee industry. We produced a summary document of our experiment and the results which has been shared with many farmers. This document is currently used by the University of Hawaii extension office to inform farmers about Surround WP and the coffee berry borer.

We produced a manuscript for publication in an academic journal but it has not yet been accepted for publication.  Unfortunately, no formal assessment of the particpants’ sentiments/confidence of the product were collected; none of the particpants filled out our survey!

• Summary of project and results

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

When presenting the results of the experiment to the farming community, some of the non-participating farmers who began using the product independently verified that it was very effective in combating the pest on their farms. Moreover, we had a standing-room only attendance in the workshop because farmers were so interested in the data. Our experiment has influenced control practices on some farms and Surround WP is not a regular part of the IMP strategy for controlling the coffee berry borer.

Collaborators: