Fruit-dislodging products for the coffee berry borer and compatibility with entomopathogenic fungi

The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), is a major pest that remains inside the coffee fruit, hindering insecticide contact. Dislodging agents may expose the insect, enhancing control effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate products with potential dislodging effects, their association with chemical insecticides and Beauveria bassiana, and the compatibility of dislodging agents with entomopathogenic fungi. Five treatments were tested for dislodging effects, including four products and a water control. For association tests, four treatments were used: two chemical insecticides and B. bassiana combined with the dislodging agent, plus a control. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Scott-Knott test (5%). Compatibility was assessed using an allicin-based adjuvant with B. bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, evaluating conidial germination, vegetative growth, and sporulation. Products containing: (1) amino acids + organic acids + micronutrients, (2) allicin, and (3) sulfur + potassium showed dislodging effects within 15 minutes. Allicin had the highest effect after 36 hours. The insecticide acetamiprid + bifenthrin combined with the dislodging agent caused the highest mortality. The B. bassiana combination increased insect emergence from fruits. However, the products moderately affected fungal growth and viability.