Categorized | Agriculture

Coffee berry borer survey status report for Oct. 6

MEDIA RELEASE

Staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state Department of Agriculture (HDOA) have been conducting systematic surveys of coffee farms across the state to determine the extent of the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) infestation.

This survey information is critical to determine the best methods of prevention, eradication and control of CBB in infested and non-infested areas.

As of Oct. 6, 2010 – CBB has only been confirmed in the South Kona District between Kaloko and Manuka State Park. However, the latest survey map shows the infestation extending south past Milolii, toward Ocean View Estates, and an area area covering Naalehu.

The following is survey data as of Oct. 6:

* Total number of farms surveyed statewide — 79
* No. surveyed on Hawaii Island — 54
* No. positive for CBB in the Kona area — 21
* No. surveyed on Oahu (no positives) — 6
* No. surveyed on Maui (no positives) — 14
* No. surveyed on Kauai (no positives) — 2
* No. surveyed on Molokai (no positives) — 1
* No. surveyed on Lanai (no positives) — 2

The data in the table above only reflects the number of farms that have been officially surveyed, sampled and examined by USDA and HDOA. Many Hawaii coffee growers are cooperating by sending coffee bean samples from their farms to HDOA.

The samples submitted by growers help USDA and HDOA in prioritizing areas where official surveys should be conducted. Samples sent in by growers are not included in the table above.

The coffee berry borer beetle is native to Central Africa and also found in many coffee-growing regions of the world, including Central and South America. The beetle bores into the coffee “cherry” to lay its eggs. The larvae feed on the coffee bean, reducing the yield and quality of the crop.

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