Temperature-Dependent Biology and Population Performances of the Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) on Artificial Diet

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei is the most destructive pest of coffee in the world. It can damage the berries on coffee trees resulting in huge economic losses. Despite causing severe economic losses to the coffee industry worldwide, there have been few comprehensive studies on the life history and population performances of H. hampei due to its extraordinary ecological habits. Only a few studies have discussed its development, and there is no relevant research about the reproduction, longevity and population performances of this insect. In this study, we evaluated the survival rate and fecundity of H. hampei at different observation intervals. The observation intervals significantly affected the biological behavior of this pest. Moreover, we also compared the life history and population performances of H. hampei reared on an artificial diet at different temperatures. In summary, our study gathered and analyzed comprehensive biological information about H. hampei, which could be an important reference for future applied research, providing background knowledge useful for the management of this pest. ABSTRACT: At different observation intervals of 1, 5, and 10 days during a trial period of 30 days, the mortality rates of Hypothenemus hampei were 100, 95, and 55%, and the fecundity rates were 0.55, 8.45, and 19.35 eggs/female, respectively. At temperatures of 18, 21, 24, and 27 °C, the development time of the immature stage of H. hampei was significantly shortened with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the lower developmental threshold (T(0)) and thermal summation (K) of the immature stage were 8.91 °C and 485.44 degree-days, respectively. The greatest longevity of female and male adults reached 115.77 and 26.50 days, respectively, at 18 °C. The highest fecundity was 29.00 eggs/female at 24 °C. The population parameters of H. hampei were analyzed on the basis of the age–stage, two-sex life table theory. According to the data, the parameters were significantly affected by temperature. The highest net reproductive rate (R(0)) was 13.32 eggs/individual at 24 °C. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were calculated as 0.0401 and 1.0409 day(−1), respectively, at a temperature of 27 °C. The shortest mean generation time (T) was 51.34 days at 27 °C. Overall, we provide a discussion on comprehensive biological information regarding H. hampei, thus providing basic knowledge for further research on this pest.