The Big island’s esteemed $30 million Kona coffee industry is in jeopardy. The problem is a coffee borer beetle that’s quickly infesting Hawaii farms and has destroyed a majority of the coffee at some locations.
Beauveria bassiana to the rescue
State Ag has given approval to test this fungus-based insecticide to control the infestation. Already in use in other states, it is now being tested on five Big Island farms. The fungus grows naturally in soils around the world and acts as a parasite.
Beauveria bassiana fungus naturally produces white muscardine disease when it comes in contact with the body of the coffee borer, killing the insect. Image of right is muscardine on a spider.
It is thought that the recent droughts in Hawaii have diminished the fungus, thus allowing the beetle to multiply.
Pending results of the fungus trials, a one year quarantine of green (unroasted) beans and coffee plans is in effect.
About 4,000 acres of coffee are grown on the Big Island. In contrast, Kauai Coffee Company, a very different commercial type operation which we wrote about recently, has over 3,000 acres under cultivation at Eleele on the south shore of Kauai. Coffees of Hawaii has about 500 acres of coffee growing on Molokai.
For Visitors: No Problem Drinking, Buying and Shipping Roasted Coffee Beans
You can also buy and transport green coffees bought on all islands other than the Big Island. I’ll be watching this closely and will let you know what happens next. This industry is of vital importance to Hawaii and one of great personal concern to me.
Lead photo shows me hand roasting coffee. It’s another reason to consider staying with us on your Kauai vacation. We’ll share our fresh coffee with you the first morning of your stay, and perhaps you can join in on the roasting.
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I’m not sure you were aware of the fact that the coffee borer beetle was recently found on coffee farms in the Kau area, showing that the problem is spreading.
While I hope that this fungus based insecticide works, I am equally hoping that they have taken into consideration any unintentional side-effects, like what else will it kill? or harm?
Hawaii has such a unique environment, it doesn’t take much to cause an imbalance.
Of course, since the problem came from outside of Hawaii, I guess the solution will have to as well. Lets just hope this insecticide doesn’t kill beneficial insects as well.