BROCAP®: coffee berry borer trap

An innovative solution for controlling the coffee berry borer

Thanks to its shape, adapted to the approach behaviour of the coffee berry borer, and its powerful attractant blend, the BROCAP® trap optimises the capture of this flying pest. Deployed as a network across plantations, the trap contributes to effective control, particularly when used as part of an integrated pest management strategy. The objective is to drastically reduce crop losses caused by the coffee berry borer and to produce high-quality coffee without the use of pesticides. It also provides valuable support to farmers who do not always have the necessary resources.

Recent improvements

BROCAP® was initially developed by CIRAD in collaboration with the Procafe Foundation, and later in partnership with Agroindustrias Unidas (Ecom Group) in Mexico. Close collaboration between researchers, manufacturers and distributors has led to significant improvements to the trap. The size of the original model has been reduced and the system for attaching the funnel to the collection container has been simplified (COMPACT model). A new type of diffuser was developed (patented in 2019), significantly enhancing capture performance.

Stage Development

BROCAP®: benefits at multiple levels

Agronomic benefits

• Suitable for different agro-climatic zones, particularly with the COMPACT model;
• Applicable to Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (robusta), in both traditional and commercial plantations;
• High level of effectiveness: up to 10,000 captures per trap per day in tropical regions, with infestation levels reduced by more than 90% when combined with recommended sanitation practices;
• High specificity and respect for biodiversity: 97% of captured insects are coffee berry borers;
• Improved yields: up to 12% increase in green coffee weight;
• Favourable return on investment, with greater cost-effectiveness than insecticide treatments.

Environmental benefits

• Reduced carbon footprint with the BROCAP® COMPACT version, which uses less raw material;
• Part of an environmentally friendly pest control strategy, when combined with good agronomic practices;
• The new diffuser and improved attractant formulation reduce active ingredient use and extend operating duration (more than 2 months with refill systems).

Supporting coffee farms, including organic production

For small and medium-sized coffee farms

The trapping system, combined with good agronomic practices, has been validated in Central America and the Caribbean region. It is particularly suitable for organic coffee plantations, ensuring production methods that respect biodiversity.

For large-scale, high-technology farms

Trapping can be effectively implemented provided that sanitation harvesting is applied on a large scale, contributing to reduced pesticide use.

For local authorities, foundations and NGOs

Supporting small and medium-scale coffee producers in controlling the coffee berry borer through trapping provides a sustainable solution for crop protection, while preserving biodiversity and supporting the development of organic coffee value chains.

How can you obtain the BROCAP® trap?

Currently manufactured in Indonesia, the BROCAP® trap is distributed under licence by IndoCafCo, a subsidiary of the Ecom Group.

CIRAD remains available to provide support through user guidance and technical assistance, particularly within development projects.

References and Intellectual Property

Patents :

Brevet d'invention INPI 2019, n°1752900 – Système de diffusion/attraction pour piège à insectes.
Brevet d'invention INPI 2000, n°0002631 – Piège à insectes destiné plus particulièrement au scolyte du caféier.

Publications :

Poster: Dufour B.P., Gonzalez M.O., Mauricio J.J., Chavez B.A., Ramirez R. (2004). "Validation of coffee berry borer (CBB) trapping with the Brocap trap". In: 20th International Conference on Coffee Science. ASIC Bangalore, India, pp. 1243-1247 (2005).  
Brochure: Dufour B.P. (2008). "Coffee berry borer triple-action integrated pest management". Editions en anglais, espagnol et français, IICA/CIRAD/MAE/Procafé, Santa Tecla, El Salvador. Dans cet ouvrage, le piège est placé au centre d'une lutte plus particulièrement adaptée aux conditions de culture en Amérique centrale et dans les Caraïbes.
Brochure: Dufour B.P. (2009). "Triple-Action IPM". Version éditée en anglais, espagnol et français, Cirad, Montpellier.
Brochure: Dufour B.P., DolokSaribu Y., Wagianto W., Keran I W. (2018). "Integrated coffee berry borer management in the Toba Highlands". Edition Cirad/IFI/IndoCafCO, Paris.