Exposure to cyantraniliprole causes mortality and disturbs behavioral and respiratory responses in the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei)

Abstract

Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the main pest of coffee due to the damage caused to coffee berries. Effective management methods and prevention of insecticide resistance are urgently needed against this insect. Bioassays were conducted to assess the effects of the diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole on H. hampei. Cyantraniliprole is the most recent compound registered against this species after the phasing out of endosulfan, the main insecticide historically used against the coffee borer for the past 30 years. Toxicity, survival, progeny production, respiration rate, and behavioral responses to cyantraniliprole were evaluated.

Cyantraniliprole was toxic to adult H. hampei (LC50 = 0.67 mg mL−1 and LC90 = 1.71 mg mL−1). Adult survival was 95% without exposure to cyantraniliprole, decreasing to 52% in insects exposed to LC50 cyantraniliprole and 27% in insects treated with LC90 cyantraniliprole. Furthermore, H. hampei showed reduced mobility on insecticide‐treated surfaces. The insecticide also led to a decrease in the respiration rate of H. hampei for up to 3 h after exposure, altering behavioral responses and locomotor activity. Cyantraniliprole exhibits lethal and sublethal effects on H. hampei and can be used in rotation in integrated pest management programs for control of this species in coffee cultivation systems.