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Title: Karnyothrips flavipes, a previously unreported predatory thrips of the coffee berry borer: DNA-based gut content analysis

Author
item JARAMILLO, JULIANA - UNIV HANNOVER, GERMANY
item CHAPMAN, ERIC - UNIV OF KENTUCKY
item Vega, Fernando
item HARWOOD, JAMES - UNIV OF KENTUCKY

Submitted to: Naturwissenschaften
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/12/2009
Publication Date: 3/15/2010
Citation: Jaramillo, J., Chapman, E.G., Vega, F.E., Harwood, J.D. 2010. Karnyothrips flavipes, a previously unreported predatory thrips of the coffee berry borer: DNA-based gut content analysis. Naturwissenschaften. 97:291-298.

Interpretive Summary: The coffee berry borer is the most devastating pest of coffee throughout the world and causes millions of dollars in losses each year. Increased knowledge on the basic biology of the coffee berry borer can result in new insights on how to control this insect, thereby reducing losses and increasing yields. In this paper we report on the discovery of a predatory thrips that feeds on the coffee berry borer. This information will be of use to coffee scientists, entomologists, ecologists, and the coffee industry.

Technical Abstract: A new predator of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, was found in the coffee growing area of Kisii in Western Kenya. Field observations, laboratory trials and gut content analysis using molecular tools have confirmed the role of the predatory thrips Karnyothrips flavipes Jones (Phlaeothripidae) as a specific predator of the coffee berry borer.