The goal of this proposal is to increase the population of the Square-necked Grain Beetle (SNGB), Cathartus quadricollis, in coffee plantations by developing breeding stations that use pheromones and food source odors to increase the population of this predator of Coffee Berry Borer, Hypothenemus hampei, (CBB). SNGB is a major predator of the CBB which causes significant damage to coffee in all coffee growing regions of the world, including Hawaii. Semiochemicals, including pheromones, are commonly used to manipulate insect behaviors in IPM programs such as monitoring insect pest populations for timing of insecticide applications and control strategies such as attract-and-kill and mating disruption. The use of predators to control pests has been widely used for decades in reducing pest damage. Prior research done by the collaborators on this project has shown that SNGB are attracted to Quadrilure and that they are prey on CBB. It is possible that SNGB may be a useful tool in controlling Coffee Berry Borer. The focus of the research will be to determine if we can augment the population of SNGB and if they will remain in the plantation in sufficient numbers so that they can be effective in helping to control CBB. If successful and we are able to augment the population of SNGB within coffee plantations by attracting them to a station with a combination of pheromone and food source order and they remain in the plantation, this could help reduce damage attributable to CBB and reliance on pesticide or fungal control products.
