Alluri, Sept. 4 -- A team of agricultural scientists and coffee board officials visited coffee orchards in Araku, Andhra Pradesh, after reports of berry borer disease affecting the plants.

Berry borer disease refers to damage caused by the coffee berry borer, a beetle that bores into coffee berries and feeds on the beans. It is considered the most serious pest of coffee worldwide, causing significant crop loss and affecting bean quality. The most recognisable symptom is a small pinhole at the navel of the berry.

Management involves cultural practices such as timely harvesting and gleaning, utilising natural enemies, and occasionally applying insecticides at specific times to control the beetle population.

Dr. Chalapathi Rao, Chief Prin...