DYNAMICS AND DISTRIBUTION POPULATIONS OF PEST Hypothenemus hampei Ferr. BASED ON THE MATURITY OF COFFEE GAYO ARABICA BEANS

Abstract

Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) or coffee berry borer (CBB) is a major coffee pest that causes serious damage to coffee berry, particularly in the Gayo Arabica coffee production center in the Gayo Highlands, Province of Aceh. This study aims to evaluate the dynamics and distribution populations of coffee berry borer based on maturity level of Gayo Arabica coffee berries at various altitudes. The study was conducted at plantations coffee Arabica in Bener Meriah Regency at altitudes of 750–1500 meters above sea level. The coffee berry borer population was observed on coffee berries categorized into three maturity levels (unripe, semi-ripe, and ripe), and was observed for 12 weeks. The results showed that coffee berry borer attacked coffee berries at all maturity levels, with population distribution varying according to developmental stage and elevation. Egg populations were more numerous in unripe fruit, larvae were dominant in unripe berries, and pupae and adults were more numerous in ripe berries. The distribution pattern of coffee berry borer at all maturity levels showed a clustered pattern in all altitude locations. Regression analysis showed that temperature significantly affected the adult population at all maturity levels. Based on these findings, coffee berry borer control focused on the middle to ripe fruit, particularly in lowlands, and a spatially based monitoring approach was employed. These results provide an important basis for developing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy based on fruit phenology and pest population ecology.