On the Control of Antestia lineaticollis, Stål (Hem., Pentatom.) on Coffee in Kenya Colony

Abstract

1. The damage done to coffee by Antestia lineaticollis, Stål, is shortly described and notes on its life-history are given.2. It is parasitised in the egg-stage by two important species of Proctotrupoid parasites, the percentage of parasitism usually varying around 80 per cent. and in one case quoted being as high as 91 per cent.3. Of the control measures employed, contact-spraying has not proved satisfactory; hand-picking of the bugs and egg-clusters and liberation of the parasites are widely practised and, though troublesome and expensive, are of considerable value; another method of value and widespread adoption has been called the “poison-baitspray” method. This is described in detail; it consists in the application of a stomach-poison in the form of a solution of sodium arsenite and sugar to the tree by spraying. Laboratory observations show that the insect imbibes the poisoned solution by lifting the proboscis into small drops on the leaf surface, and there is a definite kill due to the use of this poison.4. In Kenya, its use commercially, while often of proved value, has not been invariably successful. Experiments showed that the egg parasites of the bug were strongly attracted by the poison spray and quickly died after feeding on it. It is suggested that this may be the cause of some of the unsuccessful results.