DOCUMENTATION OF INSECT PEST ATTACK AND PESTICIDE USAGE ON NEW PLANTATIONS OF COFFEE (COFFEA SPP.) IN SYLHET

ABSTRACT: Coffee cultivation is emerging as a promising high-value agricultural crop in some areas of Bangladesh, particularly in Sylhet region. But information on insect pest occurrence and pesticide use in newly established coffee plantations remains limited. This study was conducted to document the major insect pests associated with coffee cultivation and assess pesticide usage patterns in Sylhet district. A field survey was carried out across five upazilas of Sylhet district using structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and focus group discussions involving 60 respondents. Data were normalized first and then analyzed using descriptive statistics in R-studio and origin to characterize pest incidence, farmer profiles, and pesticide use practices. The findings revealed that Coffea arabica was the predominant coffee species cultivated by 96.67% of farmers. A total of 16 insect pest species were documented from coffee plantations. Coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) and coffee leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella) were identified as the most important pests, reported by 55.00% and 46.67% of respondents, respectively. Other frequently occurring pests included white stem borer (43.33%), mealybug (40.00%), and shot hole borer (38.33%). Functional group analysis showed that sap-sucking insects constituted the dominant pest category (43.75%), followed by stem borers and leaf feeders (18.75% each). The study further revealed extensive dependence on chemical pesticides, with 83.34% of respondents using WHO Class II (moderately hazardous) pesticides, primarily organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and pyrethroids. Notably, 76.67% of farmers had not received any formal training on coffee pest management. The high prevalence of key insect pests, combined with heavy reliance on moderately hazardous pesticides and limited technical knowledge, highlights the urgent need for farmer training, strengthened extension services, and the adoption of integrated pest management strategies to ensure sustainable coffee production in Sylhet. 

Keywords: Bangladesh, Documentation of Pest diversity; Pesticide hazard; WHO Class.