A Narrative Review Analysis of Prey-Predator Control Approach of Coffee Berry Borer Infestations in Coffee Plantations

Abstract

Coffee is the world’s most significant commercial export crop, supporting the livelihoods of over 100 million people in the tropics. 
However, the prevalence of Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) poses serious threats to more than 20 million households globally. Despite 
numerous mathematical studies aimed at controlling CBB, the pest problem persists, highlighting an urgent need for effective solutions. This review evaluates the effectiveness of existing CBB control methods through a predator-prey lens, aiming to provide an insight that can help farmers enhance yield and profitability. Most research has focused on reducing CBB populations to levels that minimize crop damage, rather than focusing on completely eradicating the pest. This is largely due to the complex biology and ecology of CBB. Our review explores the limitations of the current CBB control methods, noting that chemical treatments fail to penetrate coffee beans effectively, while cultural practices are often impractical for farmers. Biological control has also not yielded significant results, leaving the CBB problem unsolved. Given these challenges, we advocate for integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated borer management (IBM) strategies.