DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a synthetic bioethanol-methanol mixture trap for capturing coffee berry borer (CBB) beetles and mitigating their impact on Arabica coffee plantations in Indonesia.

Methodology

The study was conducted in two plots (Plot A with 19.5% shade density and Plot B with 13.5% shade density) in Arabica coffee plantations in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. A bioethanol-methanol mixture (1:2 ratio) was used as an attractant in traps suspended on coffee trees at a height of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. Beetle populations were collected weekly for nine weeks, and fruit and seed damage was assessed at weeks 1, 4, and 8. Damage was categorized into 50% and >50% seed damage. Statistical analysis using a paired sample t-test was performed.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Establish Two Plots with Different Shade Densities] --> B[Prepare Bioethanol-Methanol Attractant Mixture];
    B --> C[Deploy Attractant Traps on Coffee Trees];
    C --> D[Weekly Collection of Trapped Beetles];
    D --> E[Assess Coffee Fruit and Seed Damage];
    E --> F[Analyze Beetle Population Dynamics];
    F --> G[Analyze Damage Data];
    G --> H[Statistical AnalysisPaired t-test];
    H --> I[Draw Conclusions on Trap Efficacy];                    

Discussion

The bioethanol-methanol mixture proved effective in trapping CBB, with higher capture rates observed in areas with denser shade and canopy. The study suggests that shade density and planting configuration influence the microclimate, which in turn affects CBB populations. The traps also captured non-target insects, some of which are plant pests or decomposers. The population dynamics were linked to the CBB life cycle, with a peak in the sixth week. Rainfall and temperature had minimal impact on overall population growth, but heavy rainfall could hinder beetle flight. The attractant traps significantly reduced seed damage, contributing to an increase in undamaged beans.

Key Findings

Plot A, with denser shade, showed a significantly higher beetle capture rate (83.26%) compared to Plot B (16.74%). Beetle populations peaked in the sixth week and declined thereafter. Higher shade density and denser coffee canopy were associated with increased beetle populations. The bioethanol-methanol attractant traps significantly reduced seed damage in both damage categories.

Conclusion

The bioethanol-methanol mixture trap is an effective tool for monitoring and controlling CBB populations, thereby minimizing fruit and seed damage in Arabica coffee plantations. Dense shade plants and coffee plant canopies influence beetle population growth, affecting coffee bean sensitivity and resistance to CBB.

Fact Check

1. Beetle Capture Rate: Plot A exhibited a significantly higher beetle capture rate of 83.26%, compared to 16.74% in Plot B.
2. Peak Population: Beetle population dynamics peaked during the sixth week of trapping.
3. Seed Damage Reduction: After the installation of traps, there was a significant reduction in coffee bean damage, with 83.30% reduction in plot B and 49.12% in plot A for the ≤50% damage category.

Mind Map