What is Coffee Berry Borer?
Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) is a very small black beetle that attacks coffee berries. Even though it is tiny, it is one of the most destructive pests in coffee farming.
The female beetle drills a small hole into the coffee berry and lays eggs inside. When the eggs hatch, the young ones feed on the coffee bean. This is what causes serious damage.
Life Stages of Coffee Berry Borer
Coffee Berry Borer has four stages:
- Egg – Laid inside the coffee berry.
- Larva – Feeds on the coffee bean (this stage causes the most damage).
- Pupa – Changes into an adult inside the berry.
- Adult – Comes out and attacks new berries.
Most of its life happens inside the coffee berry, which makes it difficult to control once it has entered.
How to Know Your Coffee Is Affected
Farmers may notice:
- Small holes on coffee berries
- Premature dropping of berries
- Damaged or hollow beans when opened
- Poor bean quality
- Lower weight at harvest
If not controlled early, the pest spreads quickly from berry to berry.
Damage and Losses If Not Controlled
If Coffee Berry Borer is left unchecked:
- Yield can reduce greatly
- Quality drops
- Coffee prices become lower
- Buyers may reject heavily damaged coffee
- Income for the farmer reduces
In severe cases, a large percentage of the crop can be destroyed.
Best Active Ingredients for Control
To protect coffee plants and reduce disease pressure, two powerful active ingredients are recommended:
1. Azoxystrobin
Benefits:
- Protects the plant from fungal diseases
- Moves inside the plant (systemic action)
- Improves plant health and vigor
- Helps leaves stay green longer
- Reduces plant stress
Healthy plants are stronger and better able to withstand pest attacks.
2. Tebuconazole
Benefits:
- Strong systemic fungicide
- Stops fungal growth inside the plant
- Provides long-lasting protection
- Helps prevent spread of diseases
- Improves overall plant strength
When coffee plants are free from diseases, they produce better quality berries and higher yields.
Why Combine Azoxystrobin + Tebuconazole?
When used together:
- They give broader disease protection
- They work in different ways, improving effectiveness
- They help maintain strong, healthy coffee plants
- Healthier plants support better pest management programs
Recommended Product
Farmers are encouraged to use Bugati® from Kenagro Suppliers Limited.
Bugati® contains:
- Azoxystrobin 200g/L
- Tebuconazole 300g/L
This strong combination helps protect coffee plants from diseases, keeps plants healthy, and supports better yields when used as part of a full management program.
Always follow label instructions for best results.
Important Agronomic Practices to Control Coffee Berry Borer
Chemical control alone is not enough. Farmers should also:
1. Practice Field Sanitation
- Pick and destroy all leftover berries after harvest
- Collect fallen berries from the ground
- Do not leave infested berries in the field
This reduces breeding places for the pest.
2. Regular Monitoring
- Check berries regularly for small holes
- Act early before the pest spreads
Early control saves money and crop.
3. Timely Spraying
- Apply recommended products at the right time
- Do not wait until infestation is heavy
4. Good Farm Management
- Prune properly
- Maintain proper spacing
- Apply fertilizers as recommended
- Keep the farm clean
Healthy, well-managed farms suffer less damage.
Coffee Berry Borer is a small pest but causes big losses. If ignored, it reduces yield, lowers quality, and cuts farmer income.
To control it effectively:
- Keep the farm clean
- Monitor regularly
- Act early
- Use quality products like Bugati® (Azoxystrobin 200g/L + Tebuconazole 300g/L)
- Combine chemical control with good farming practices
With proper management, farmers can protect their coffee, improve quality, and increase profits.
