Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026
09:23
Methodology to Test Control Agents and Insecticides Against the Coffee Berry Borer Hypothenemus hampei
Published on: March 23, 2022
2.4K
Observing the devastating coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) inside the coffee berry using micro-computed
Ignacio Alba-Alejandre1, Javier Alba-Tercedor2, Fernando E Vega3
1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, 18071, Granada, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|November 20, 2018
Summary
The coffee berry borer, a major coffee pest, has its behavior revealed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). This technology observed the insect
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Pest Management
- Imaging Technology
Background:
- The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is a significant global pest of coffee.
- Its endophytic life cycle within coffee berries hinders behavioral observation and study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for visualizing the developmental stages and behavior of the coffee berry borer within coffee berries.
- To investigate the oviposition patterns of the coffee berry borer.
Main Methods:
- Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was employed to non-invasively image coffee berries (Coffea canephora) containing the coffee berry borer.
- All insect developmental stages were observed in situ.
Main Results:
- Micro-CT successfully visualized all developmental stages of the coffee berry borer inside coffee berries.
- A novel sequential oviposition pattern was observed, with eggs laid from the periphery of the seed inwards.
Conclusions:
- Micro-computed tomography is a valuable tool for studying the life history and behavior of seed-feeding insects, particularly bark and ambrosia beetles.
- This technique can reveal previously unobservable aspects of insect biology within host plant tissues.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Computed Tomography
8.3K
Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
8.3K
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
368
DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
368
02:30Naturalistic Observations
17.2K
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
17.2K
01:11Observational Studies
11.1K
Observational studies are a type of analytical study where researchers observe events without any interventions. In other words, the researcher does not influence the response variable or the experiment's outcome.
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
There are three types of observational studies – Prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional.
Prospective Study
Prospective studies, also known as longitudinal or cohort studies, are carried out by collecting future data from groups sharing similar characteristics. One...
11.1K
01:12Observational Learning
976
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning...
976
01:23Actor-Observer Effect
391
The actor-observer effect, a cognitive bias closely linked to the fundamental attribution error, refers to the tendency for individuals to attribute their behavior to external, situational factors while explaining others’ behavior in terms of internal, dispositional traits. This asymmetry in attribution significantly influences social perception and judgment.Cognitive Mechanisms Behind the EffectTwo primary psychological mechanisms contribute to the actor-observer effect: differences in...
391