Effect of caffeine on shot-hole borer beetle (Xyleborusfornicatus) of tea (Camellia sinensis)

Caffeine was found to inhibit oviposition in shot-hole borer beetle (Xyleborusfornicatus) of tea (Camellia sinensis) in laboratory culture media. Caffeine also delayed theappearance of the different developmental stages in the life cycle, but apparently did not have alethal effect on the beetle. The inhibitory effect of caffeine on the beetle was partially reduced inthe presence of the polyphenol tannic acid.