Browsing by Author "Antony, J."

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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    Attempts at the biological control of rhinoceros beetle
    (2007-02-08) Chandy Kurian; Antony, J.
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    Attempts on introduction and colonization of the exotic reduviid predator, Platymeris laevicollis distant for the biological suppression of the coconut rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros L.
    (2007-02-08) Antony, J.; Mariamma Daniel; Chandy Kurian; Pillai, G.B.
    Vander Plank (1958) detected along the east coast of Africa Platymeris laevicollis Dist., a predaceous bug preying on natural populations of Oryctes monoceros Oliv , and O. boas F., which are pests on coconut palm in those regions. However, no such predator attacking and killing adults of O. rhinoceros L. has been recorded from India so far. Hence its predatory habits and alienity have been taken advantage of in a trial on its introduction and colonization against O. rhinoceros in India. Viable culture of the predator was obtained from different sources including its native home viz. Zanzibar. In an attempt to colonize, the predator under different agro-ecological conditions, laboratory bred bugs were released in large numbers on the crowns of palms at Pandalam (Kerala), Androth (Lakshadweep) and Vittal (Karnataka). At Pandalam where field release of the bugs was done from 1968-74, the live population of the beetles in the crownsof one hundred palms under release was observed to be comparatively less than that of the dead beetles collected from the palms on which the predators were released. Consequent on the decrease in population of the beetle and the corresponding dip in incidence of the pest on the crowns of palms the intensity of infestation on leaves and unopened inflorescence had also come down. In Androth Island these bugs were released on 200 palms which were very heavily infested by the beetle with a high population density (243 beetles on 155 palms) On the fifth day after the release of the predator 213 beetles were found fed on and killed by the bug whereas 45 beetles including the newcomers were alive. Indications of establishment of the bug were also noticed at Pandalam, and at Vittal, where the bugs are being released regularly from 1971 onwards. At Vittal the incidence of the beetle in the crown of palms and the consequent reduction of damage on the spindle and spa the continued to be comparatively less than the pre-release incidence. Release of the predator at Vittal Centre is being continued.
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    Biological control of insect pests of coconut—A review
    (2007-02-08) Chandy Kurian; Pillai, G.B.; Antony, J.; Abraham, V.A.; Natarajan, P.
    Oryctes rhinoceros L , Nephanlis serinopa M., Rhynchophorus ferrugineus F., and Leucopholis coneophora B. are the major pests of coconut in India. These insects are attacked by a number of parasites, predators, and microorganisms including nematodes. The most important biological control agents for the control of the black beetle are the indigenous predators Sntalus paralletus P.,Agrypnus (near bifoveatus C), and the exotic reduviid bug Platymeris laevicollis G. The pathogens Mctarrhizium anisopliae (M.) S., Rhabdionvirus oryctes and a nematode Neoaplectana carpocapsae D. (DD-136) also show promise. The establishment of the above agents depends very much on the ecological conditions and biotic factors. No biological agent other than Chelisoches mods F. has been reported on red palm weevil in India. The scope of utilizing parasites, predators, and pathogens for the control of the cockchafer is also discussed. The leaf eating slug caterpillars Contheyla rotunda^., Macroplectranararia M.,and Parasa lepidaC. are attacked by bacterial, fungal and insect parasites. Stephanitis typicus D., the suspected vector of the root (wilt) disease of coconut, has a predator in Stethoconus paraefectus D. Mention is made also of parasites obtained on these pests from other countries. A few such examples of Aspidiotus destructor S. (found in India as well), Artona catos-cantha H., Levuana irridiscens B-B, and Promecotheca reichii B. are given. Some of the main problems encountered in their utilization are also pointed out.
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    Biological Control of Pests of Coconut
    (2000) Pillai, G.B.; Antony, J.; Mohan, K.S.; Mariamma Daniel; Devasahayam, S.; Sathiamma, B.; Dangar, T.K.; Ramachandran, C.P.; Abraham, V.A.; Bhat, S.K.; Sreekumar, K.R.; Sukumaran, A.S.; Chandrika Mohan; Murali Gopal; Sosamma, V.K.; Gulsar Banu, J.
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    Pest Management in Coconut Gardens An Integrated Approach
    (2007-02) Chandy Kurian; Antony, J.; Abraham, V.A.; Natarajan, P.
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    Rhinoceros Beetle : An Ubiquitous Pest of Coconut
    (1971) Chandy Kurian; Antony, J.; Pillai, G.B.
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    Save Coconut From These Pests
    (1976) Antony, J.; Chandy Kurian