Insect Pests of Cocoa
There are numerous insects in the field and in storage which damage the quality and quantity of cocoa beans and that hinder cocoa production in general. However, it must be remembered that there are beneficial insects and diseases which in their way interfere with pest species. In IPM our goal is to augment and foster the beneficial organisms to aid in keeping pest species below the economic threshold, thus lessening the reliance on chemicals. If insecticides must be used then if there is a choice, choose the one that will do the least amount of harm to beneficial arthropods and microorganisms.

Usually in the field there is a pest insect complex composed of several major and minor pests. For example, in Bahia, Brazil there are three major field pests (thrips, mirids, and leaf beetles) and six or more minor pests which range from leaf-cutting ants to leaf-feeding caterpillars. Minor pests at times expand into major pests but usually for a limited time or over a confined area.

Storage insect pests are more uniform throughout the world due to the international commerce in cocoa beans. Cocoa beans often remain in storage for several moths provided with ideal conditions of heat and humidity for a rapid build-up of pest populations.

Initially the CIS will address the literature of major pests as this is a valuable source of data on which to build research programs. The complexes of major insect pests are unique in each cacao growing region of the world.

More information is available on Major Field Insect Pests and Major Storage Insect Pests and extensive bibliographies are available for mirids, cocoa pod borer, almond moth, and other insects.

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