Combination of Nanobioproduct and Chemical Ethylene Synthesis Inhibitor with Entomopathogenic Fungi: A Novel Management Strategy for Coffee Berry Borer in Arabica Coffee

Abstract

Brazil is the leading producer and exporter of coffee, accounting for more than one-third of global production. However, the coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei, poses a significant threat to coffee yield and quality. Its control has been primarily based on the use of chemical insecticides, which entail risks to human health and the environment. We evaluated the efficacy of an ethylene synthesis inhibitor and a Bacillus subtilis-based nanobioproduct combined with entomopathogenic fungi against the CBB. The treatments included combinations of potassium phosphate-based and nanobioproduct-based bioregulators, bioinsecticide comprising Beauveria bassiana + Metarhizium anisopliae, and chemical insecticides (acetamiprid + bifenthrin). The experiment included an in vitro assay assessing the reproduction of CBB females on treated coffee berries and a field trial evaluating the impact of the treatments on coffee bean quality, beverage sensory attributes, and antioxidant enzyme activities. All insecticide treatments, except the bioregulator at 6 L ha−1 + insecticides, significantly reduced larvae production. The 6 L ha−1 bioregulator treatment reduced bean defects. The fungi + insecticide treatment increased superoxide dismutase activity, while ascorbate peroxidase activity was highest in the control, followed by the fungi + nanobioproduct treatment group. The nanobioproduct bioregulator combined with entomopathogenic fungi proved to be an efficient strategy for managing the CBB.

Keywords

• coffea arabica
• <i>Hypothenemus hampei</i>
• integrated pest management
• <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>
• <i>Beauveria bassiana</i>
• <i>Metarhizium anisopliae</i>