Objective:

To evaluate the effect of the altitudinal gradient and of different shade systems in coffee plantations on the infestation of coffee berry borer.

Methodology:

The infestation percentage was evaluated in twelve farms in an altitudinal range between 1430 and 2030 m at different levels of shade, including coffee plantations at full solar explosion. In each locality, environmental conditions were monitored through weather stations.

Results:

Infestation percentages were found to be inversely related to altitude, which, in turn, are directly influenced by temperature. On the other hand, there was a significant interaction between height and shade, thus suggesting that coffee plantations with shade had higher percentages of infestation. However, the highest incidence of coffee berry borer was evidenced in coffee plantations below 1600 meters above sea level with higher levels of shade. Additionally, it was verified that the increase in shade is inversely related to photosynthetically active radiation, a factor that could potentially influence the humidity of the fruits, thus indirectly affecting the development of coffee borer. Finally, the number of monthly generations of each evaluated locality was calculated, obtaining 0.3 generations in localities with average temperatures of 17 °C and one generation per month in localities with average temperatures of 23 °C.

Conclusion:

The number of generations and the population size of coffee berry borer is drastically influenced by environmental conditions such as the elevation and shade of the coffee crop. Therefore, these are conditions that must be considered when planning the management of this pest of great importance for coffee production.

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