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Efficacy of Aqueous Coffee Extract in Control of Introduced Phytophagous Heteropteran Species

Alien phytophagous heteropteran species are a growing problem in the cultivation of agricultural crops and ornamentals and their control poses a challenge. The intensive chemical plant protection is not ecologically sustainable, so as part of sustainable plant protection new more toxicologically acceptable natural compounds are being developed on the market. We investigated the potential of aqueous extracts of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) and caffeine in control of two agricultural pests (Nezara viridula (Linnaeus, 1758) and Halyomorpha halys Stål, 1855) and one pest of ornamentals (Corythuca ciliata (Say, 1832)). To prepare optimal aqueous extracts of coffee Soxhlet extraction method was used. Caffeine standard was used as a side control in the same amount which was present in the obtained natural coffee extract. Pests were sprayed with coffee extract, caffeine standard, and distilled water for control. While significant influence of coffee and caffeine standard on species H. halys (60-87%)and C. ciliata (48- 70%) was observed, the same influence was not present in species N. viridula (15-33%) indicating its resistance. There was no statistically significant difference between coffee extract and caffeine standard, indicating these amounts of caffeine are enough to control pests, while the influence of other various compounds in coffee extract (e.g. polyphenols) was not noticed. This investigation opens perspective in preparation of natural plant- based extracts using only water as an extraction medium in control of various pests. To confirm hypothesis further research is needed based on the selection of proper extraction methods, concerning the low cost and zero negative environmental impact.

Heteroptera, coffee, caffeine, phytochemicals, aqueous extract, sustainability

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