This report summarizes the findings of the Regional Coffee Wilt Programme (RCWP), 2000 to 2007. T... more This report summarizes the findings of the Regional Coffee Wilt Programme (RCWP), 2000 to 2007. The programme was funded by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), the European Union (EU), and Department for International Development (DFID), with the contribution of participating countries, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as research support from the Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) and the Université Catholique du Louvain (UCL). The programme was implemented under the supervision of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), and executed by CAB International Africa. Coffee wilt is a major production constraint in DRC, Uganda and increasingly in Ethiopia too. Although the situation is improving in Uganda, the disease still represents a major threat to production in these and the neighbouring countries. The project carried out a wide range of activities and represents a majo...
The mahogany shoot borers (Hypstpyla spp.) are among the most economically important insect pests... more The mahogany shoot borers (Hypstpyla spp.) are among the most economically important insect pests in tropical forestry, virtually preventing the cultivation of mahoganies (Swietenia spp., Khaya spp. etc.) in their native areas. Attack results in destruction of the apical shoot, causing deformation or branching of the tree, and significantly reducing the economic value of the timber. Although mahogany shoot borers have been intensively investigated from an entomological standpoint, no consistently effective control methods currently exist. This review describes those aspects of previous research relevant to the development of control methods, firstly by providing background information on the behaviour of both the hosts and the pests. Three main control methods are then considered: silvicultural, chemical and biological. Examples of investigations where some degree of control has been achieved are highlighted, and the prospects for selecting for resistance are discussed. On the basis of previous experience, it is suggested that an integrated method of pest management might be achieved by the incorporation of pest resistant planting stock in silvicultural systems which encourage natural biological control.
China could soon become a leading producer of Arabica, but concerns have been raised about the en... more China could soon become a leading producer of Arabica, but concerns have been raised about the environmental consequences of Chinese coffee development
There is growing evidence that climate change is affecting coffee production; the lower limit for... more There is growing evidence that climate change is affecting coffee production; the lower limit for growing coffee has risen visibly in some countries, the proportion of Robusta to Arabica is increasing in others and reports of extreme weather encountered by coffee farmers are becoming common. Climate change poses a severe challenge to our current concepts of sustainable coffee production. Over the past two decades various sustainable schemes have arisen to provide the consumer with ethical and environmentally friendly products. These schemes however were designed and instigated before the threat of climate change became apparent and this presentation argues that a major rethink is now required if they are to cope with rapidly changing conditions in the field. There are two main reasonsscale and time: Scale: the farm is the unit of certification, but various environmental challenges can only be partially combatted at the farm level. Certifications do not deal with wider problems such as depletion of ground water (e.g. Vietnam), erosion and landslides (e.g. Uganda), proliferation of diseases (much of Africa) and deforestation (e.g. Latin America and SE Asia). Time: over the past ten years certified coffee has grown from 1% of global sales to 10%. But during that period, volume of coffee produced has increased by more than this, with much of the extra supply coming from newly planted land, some of it recently deforested. Thus the current commercial trends in sustainability are too small and too slow to cope with the level of change now becoming apparent in many coffee countries. A shift away from farm-scale towards landscape-scale issues that identify and remedy major limiting factors to production now needs to be considered. Standards cannot provide comprehensive solutions that accommodate the wide range of local and varying threats to production and livelihoods that coffee farmers are increasingly facing. This means defining limits for what standards can reasonably achieve and establishing roles and modalities for other stakeholders to ensure effective and long-term support for hard-pressed farmers.
This manual is a step-by-step guide for implementing the c&c approach, focussing especially on th... more This manual is a step-by-step guide for implementing the c&c approach, focussing especially on the adaptation of coffee production in response to climate change at the farm level.
coffee berry borer population was sampled regulary over a 16-month period a plot of arabica trees... more coffee berry borer population was sampled regulary over a 16-month period a plot of arabica trees in Chiapas, Mexico. Berries were classified according to whether they contained pre-reproductive, reproducing, or post-reproductive females; there were marked seasonal differences in relative abundance of these categories. Immature stages were present throughout the year and large numbers of females accumulated in berries in the dry season, particularly in fallen berries. These females emerged with the onset of the rainy season. In a mixed plot of robusta and arabica trees, egg laying began in robusta berries towards the end of the arabica harvest. Practical advice on the correct timing of crop sanitation, spraying, and parasitoid release is given, stressing the importance of monitoring the phenology of both borers and coffee berries.
In order to observe the response of a flying locust to stationary and moving patterns, a new wind... more In order to observe the response of a flying locust to stationary and moving patterns, a new wind tunnel has been developed, tested and described. 2. The flying locust, free to yaw and move laterally, is capable of flying stably and in a natural flight posture whilst fixated on simple visual patterns. Both rotational and translational movements were monitored by transducers. 3. Locusts can orientate towards a stripe and near but not directly towards a black-white vertical interface. 4. Removal of visual stimuli by switching off or gradually reducing the pattern illumination resulted in less accurately controlled flight in 92% of trials. 5. Locusts maintained orientation when one eye was covered. 6. Locusts responded to moving striped patterns. They could accurately follow speeds ranging from 1.2 ~ s-i to 90 ~ s-1. Some animals ceased to follow the stripes after a period of time which varied from insect to insect.
... The movements resemble the Weis-Fogh clap and fling mechanism (Weis-Fogh, 1973, 1976; Lighthi... more ... The movements resemble the Weis-Fogh clap and fling mechanism (Weis-Fogh, 1973, 1976; Lighthill, 1973) and, bearing in mind that the locusts which performed this particular movement were all climbing, it is thought likely that they are deriving extra lift as a result of this ...
The development of a strategy for the sustainable management and conservation of mahogany is an u... more The development of a strategy for the sustainable management and conservation of mahogany is an urgent priority. Such a strategy should be based upon clear information about the extent of genetic differentiation within and between populations, and on an understanding of the processes maintaining this variation. At present, such information is very limited for mahogany. Preliminary data are presented from
“Many the wonders but nothing walks stranger than man. The thing crosses the sea in the winter&am... more “Many the wonders but nothing walks stranger than man. The thing crosses the sea in the winter's storm, Making his path through the roaring waves, And she, the greatest of gods, the earth – Ageless she is and unwearied – he wears her away As the ploughs go up and down from year to year And his mules turn up the soil. Gay nations of birds he snares and leads, Wild beast tribes and the salty brood of the sea With the twisted mesh of his nets, this clever man…” ... Dr Peter S Baker Global Director, Commodities CABI Europe - UK Silwood Park Ascot SL5 7TA ...
Synthetic components of the male sexpheromone of Ceratttts capitata (Wiedemann) were tested in tr... more Synthetic components of the male sexpheromone of Ceratttts capitata (Wiedemann) were tested in traps located in coffee and mango trees in Chiapas, Mexico.Traps with linalool,2, 3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, or geranyl acetate were all significantly more attractive to released sterile flies than unbaited traps. Sex ratios of catches varied greatly; most females were caught during periods of peak ripe fruit production in coffee and mango. Delta traps caught more flies than Jackson traps. No component or mixture caught more flies than trimedlure. Ammonia with ethyl pyrazine caught significantly more flies than either component separately.
The Colombian Coffee Growers’ Federation (La Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia) is a p... more The Colombian Coffee Growers’ Federation (La Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia) is a powerful and successful farmers’ organisation funded by farmers. By describing the history and present activities of the Federation, this paper examines the factors that have contributed to its many achievements. Since its establishment in 1927, the Federation has served the welfare of the country and promoted the economic and social well-being of Colombian coffee growers. The success of the Federation can be traced to the experience and competence of both its managers and members, the stability of its leadership, its financial security, and its political independence. Although the Federation leadership comes from elite families, they have tended to act in the interests of smallholder coffee growers. Over the years, the Federation has established a number of subsidiary institutions, including a research institute, a capital fund and a merchant marine fleet. Established in 1938, the Nation...
This report summarizes the findings of the Regional Coffee Wilt Programme (RCWP), 2000 to 2007. T... more This report summarizes the findings of the Regional Coffee Wilt Programme (RCWP), 2000 to 2007. The programme was funded by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), the European Union (EU), and Department for International Development (DFID), with the contribution of participating countries, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as research support from the Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) and the Université Catholique du Louvain (UCL). The programme was implemented under the supervision of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), and executed by CAB International Africa. Coffee wilt is a major production constraint in DRC, Uganda and increasingly in Ethiopia too. Although the situation is improving in Uganda, the disease still represents a major threat to production in these and the neighbouring countries. The project carried out a wide range of activities and represents a majo...
The mahogany shoot borers (Hypstpyla spp.) are among the most economically important insect pests... more The mahogany shoot borers (Hypstpyla spp.) are among the most economically important insect pests in tropical forestry, virtually preventing the cultivation of mahoganies (Swietenia spp., Khaya spp. etc.) in their native areas. Attack results in destruction of the apical shoot, causing deformation or branching of the tree, and significantly reducing the economic value of the timber. Although mahogany shoot borers have been intensively investigated from an entomological standpoint, no consistently effective control methods currently exist. This review describes those aspects of previous research relevant to the development of control methods, firstly by providing background information on the behaviour of both the hosts and the pests. Three main control methods are then considered: silvicultural, chemical and biological. Examples of investigations where some degree of control has been achieved are highlighted, and the prospects for selecting for resistance are discussed. On the basis of previous experience, it is suggested that an integrated method of pest management might be achieved by the incorporation of pest resistant planting stock in silvicultural systems which encourage natural biological control.
China could soon become a leading producer of Arabica, but concerns have been raised about the en... more China could soon become a leading producer of Arabica, but concerns have been raised about the environmental consequences of Chinese coffee development
There is growing evidence that climate change is affecting coffee production; the lower limit for... more There is growing evidence that climate change is affecting coffee production; the lower limit for growing coffee has risen visibly in some countries, the proportion of Robusta to Arabica is increasing in others and reports of extreme weather encountered by coffee farmers are becoming common. Climate change poses a severe challenge to our current concepts of sustainable coffee production. Over the past two decades various sustainable schemes have arisen to provide the consumer with ethical and environmentally friendly products. These schemes however were designed and instigated before the threat of climate change became apparent and this presentation argues that a major rethink is now required if they are to cope with rapidly changing conditions in the field. There are two main reasonsscale and time: Scale: the farm is the unit of certification, but various environmental challenges can only be partially combatted at the farm level. Certifications do not deal with wider problems such as depletion of ground water (e.g. Vietnam), erosion and landslides (e.g. Uganda), proliferation of diseases (much of Africa) and deforestation (e.g. Latin America and SE Asia). Time: over the past ten years certified coffee has grown from 1% of global sales to 10%. But during that period, volume of coffee produced has increased by more than this, with much of the extra supply coming from newly planted land, some of it recently deforested. Thus the current commercial trends in sustainability are too small and too slow to cope with the level of change now becoming apparent in many coffee countries. A shift away from farm-scale towards landscape-scale issues that identify and remedy major limiting factors to production now needs to be considered. Standards cannot provide comprehensive solutions that accommodate the wide range of local and varying threats to production and livelihoods that coffee farmers are increasingly facing. This means defining limits for what standards can reasonably achieve and establishing roles and modalities for other stakeholders to ensure effective and long-term support for hard-pressed farmers.
This manual is a step-by-step guide for implementing the c&c approach, focussing especially on th... more This manual is a step-by-step guide for implementing the c&c approach, focussing especially on the adaptation of coffee production in response to climate change at the farm level.
coffee berry borer population was sampled regulary over a 16-month period a plot of arabica trees... more coffee berry borer population was sampled regulary over a 16-month period a plot of arabica trees in Chiapas, Mexico. Berries were classified according to whether they contained pre-reproductive, reproducing, or post-reproductive females; there were marked seasonal differences in relative abundance of these categories. Immature stages were present throughout the year and large numbers of females accumulated in berries in the dry season, particularly in fallen berries. These females emerged with the onset of the rainy season. In a mixed plot of robusta and arabica trees, egg laying began in robusta berries towards the end of the arabica harvest. Practical advice on the correct timing of crop sanitation, spraying, and parasitoid release is given, stressing the importance of monitoring the phenology of both borers and coffee berries.
In order to observe the response of a flying locust to stationary and moving patterns, a new wind... more In order to observe the response of a flying locust to stationary and moving patterns, a new wind tunnel has been developed, tested and described. 2. The flying locust, free to yaw and move laterally, is capable of flying stably and in a natural flight posture whilst fixated on simple visual patterns. Both rotational and translational movements were monitored by transducers. 3. Locusts can orientate towards a stripe and near but not directly towards a black-white vertical interface. 4. Removal of visual stimuli by switching off or gradually reducing the pattern illumination resulted in less accurately controlled flight in 92% of trials. 5. Locusts maintained orientation when one eye was covered. 6. Locusts responded to moving striped patterns. They could accurately follow speeds ranging from 1.2 ~ s-i to 90 ~ s-1. Some animals ceased to follow the stripes after a period of time which varied from insect to insect.
... The movements resemble the Weis-Fogh clap and fling mechanism (Weis-Fogh, 1973, 1976; Lighthi... more ... The movements resemble the Weis-Fogh clap and fling mechanism (Weis-Fogh, 1973, 1976; Lighthill, 1973) and, bearing in mind that the locusts which performed this particular movement were all climbing, it is thought likely that they are deriving extra lift as a result of this ...
The development of a strategy for the sustainable management and conservation of mahogany is an u... more The development of a strategy for the sustainable management and conservation of mahogany is an urgent priority. Such a strategy should be based upon clear information about the extent of genetic differentiation within and between populations, and on an understanding of the processes maintaining this variation. At present, such information is very limited for mahogany. Preliminary data are presented from
“Many the wonders but nothing walks stranger than man. The thing crosses the sea in the winter&am... more “Many the wonders but nothing walks stranger than man. The thing crosses the sea in the winter's storm, Making his path through the roaring waves, And she, the greatest of gods, the earth – Ageless she is and unwearied – he wears her away As the ploughs go up and down from year to year And his mules turn up the soil. Gay nations of birds he snares and leads, Wild beast tribes and the salty brood of the sea With the twisted mesh of his nets, this clever man…” ... Dr Peter S Baker Global Director, Commodities CABI Europe - UK Silwood Park Ascot SL5 7TA ...
Synthetic components of the male sexpheromone of Ceratttts capitata (Wiedemann) were tested in tr... more Synthetic components of the male sexpheromone of Ceratttts capitata (Wiedemann) were tested in traps located in coffee and mango trees in Chiapas, Mexico.Traps with linalool,2, 3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, or geranyl acetate were all significantly more attractive to released sterile flies than unbaited traps. Sex ratios of catches varied greatly; most females were caught during periods of peak ripe fruit production in coffee and mango. Delta traps caught more flies than Jackson traps. No component or mixture caught more flies than trimedlure. Ammonia with ethyl pyrazine caught significantly more flies than either component separately.
The Colombian Coffee Growers’ Federation (La Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia) is a p... more The Colombian Coffee Growers’ Federation (La Federacion Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia) is a powerful and successful farmers’ organisation funded by farmers. By describing the history and present activities of the Federation, this paper examines the factors that have contributed to its many achievements. Since its establishment in 1927, the Federation has served the welfare of the country and promoted the economic and social well-being of Colombian coffee growers. The success of the Federation can be traced to the experience and competence of both its managers and members, the stability of its leadership, its financial security, and its political independence. Although the Federation leadership comes from elite families, they have tended to act in the interests of smallholder coffee growers. Over the years, the Federation has established a number of subsidiary institutions, including a research institute, a capital fund and a merchant marine fleet. Established in 1938, the Nation...
Uploads
Papers by Peter Baker