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A University of Hawaii extension agent for coffee and orchard crops will be available Wednesday to Friday for coffee farm visits to look for possible coffee berry borer infestation.
An infestation of the beetle was discovered in East Maui at the beginning of the year. The destructive beetle is found in nearly all coffee growing areas in the world. It affects both green and ripe cherries, entering from the flower end and waiting until the seed hardens before it bores down and starts damaging the seed. Once inside, the beetle lays eggs that grow into adults and continue to consume the bean.
During the farm visit, Andrea Kawabata, assistant extension agent for the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, will meet with the farmer, learn about farm operations, discuss the status of the farm and plants and share information that may help address the berry borer and other coffee-related issues or concerns.
Currently, there is no cost for a visit. The only costs would be incurred if samples were submitted for analyses. Samples collected may be for identification of insects, diseases, nematodes, nutritional status of leaf tissue and soil.
Farm visits are typically done for an individual farmer, but farmers are welcome to invite their workers, pickers, friends, family or other growers.
To make an appointment, email Kawabata at andreak@hawaii.edu.