Biological suppression of coconut rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) in Minicoy, Lakshadweep by Oryctes baculovirus - impact on pest population and damage
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2007-02-08
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The population of Oryctes rhinoceros (L.), one of the key pests of coconut palm, has been substantially reduced in Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep, through the use of a virus disease of the pest. O. rhinoceros beetles were infected with Oryctes baculovirusLD50 dose/ml, of inoculum) and released into the pest population in Minicoy Island in April, 1983. The virus was previously isolated from field-collected, diseased O. rhinoceros beetles from Kayangulam in Alleppey District, Kerala.- Pre-release observations at Minicoy in April, 1983 revealed high incidence of pest damage to coconut and the absence of the viral disease in the pest population. Post-release observations recorded after two years revealed spread of the virus disease to the subsequent generations of beetles and larvae in breeding sites. The resultant epizootic in the pest population drastically reduced the larval population in breeding sites, leading to a substantial reduction in the damage to coconut palms in experimental plots.
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J.Plantn.Crops 1989 Suppl. v-16 p-163-170