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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #366163
Research Project: Develop Pest Management Technologies and Strategies to Control the Coffee Berry Borer

Location: Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory

Title: Revealing the respiratory system of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei, Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) using micro-computed tomography

Author
item ALBA-TERCEDOR, JAVIER - Universidad De Granada
item ALBA-ALEJANDRE, IGNACIO - Universidad De Granada
item Vega, Fernando

Submitted to: Scientific Reports
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2019
Publication Date: 11/29/2019
Citation: Alba-Tercedor, J., Alba-Alejandre, I., Vega, F.E. 2019. Revealing the respiratory system of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei, Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) using micro-computed tomography. Scientific Reports. 9:17753.

Interpretive Summary: The coffee berry borer is the most economically important insect pest of coffee worldwide. Increased knowledge on the basic biology the coffee berry borer can result in new insights on how to reduce damage caused by the insect. We report on the use of an x-ray imaging technique known as micro-computerized tomography to observe the respiratory system of the coffee berry borer. This information will be of use to coffee scientists, entomologists, and the coffee industry.

Technical Abstract: The coffee berry borer is the most devastating insect pest of coffee throughout the world. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to reconstruct the tracheal respiratory system of this species for the first time. Anatomical details of the spiracles and tracheal tubes are described, and the total volume presented. Videos and a 3D model for use with mobile devices are included for teaching insect anatomy to students and the public in general.