Population Dynamics of the Black Coffee Twig Borer <i>Xylosandrus compactus</i> (Eichhoff) in Robusta Coffee <i>Coffea canephora</i>

Abstract

Population dynamics of Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) lifestages in Robusta coffee were evaluated at the National Coffee Research Institute, Kituza, Uganda. Results revealed that its population and incidence varied with time, with brood size being highest in December and November 2020. Eggs were maximum in December 2020 and May 2021; larvae in November and December 2020 and May 2021; pupae in July 2021 and May 2021; and, adults in December 2020 and August 2021. Dead adults, live and total pupae decreased significantly (p≤0.05) with increasing temperature (R²=0.3435, 0.5598, 0.6017, respectively); eggs and dead pupae increased significantly (p≤0.05) with increasing rainfall (R²=0.5266, 0.6349, respectively); and, dead adults and live pupae decreased significantly (p≤0.05) with increasing relative humidity (R²=0.4383, 0.3635, respectively). This information will enable monitoring and predicting population buildup, and thus IPM decisions.