Coffee White Stem Borer

• Caused by: An insect pest named Xylotrechus quadripes (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
• Occurrence: The disease was first recorded in India in 1838. Today it is present in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Monochamus leuconotus, a similar pest, occurs in Southern Africa.
• Economic loss: This is the most destructive pest affecting Arabica coffee in India. The farmers not only loose the current crop, but also have to uproot the infested ones and grow new plants. "Uprooting one plant per hectare per year accounts for an annual loss of about US $ 8-10 million to the Indian coffee industry". (quoted from the Interview with Dr. Peter Baker)
• Part(s) of the plant it affects: Stem and sometimes the root
• Symptoms: External ridges around the stem, wilted yellow leaves, dead plants.
• Treatment and management: Maintaining optimum shading, regular pruning and prompt uprooting of infested plants, and burning the affected parts.

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