Biological agents and insecticides to control bunch moth, tirathaba rufivena in oil palm estates in sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

The effectiveness of biological products and insecticides in controlling the infestation of Tirathaba rufivena in oil palm estates in Sarawak, Malaysia was evaluated. The study was conducted in two sites from November 2014 to May 2015 on oil palm aged 4 and 5 years. The treatments tested in both sites were commercially available and MPOB-produced Bacillus thuringiensis product, Metarhizium anisopliae, chlorantraniliprole and cypermethrin. The study showed that the first and second instar larvae of bunch moth were found mostly on male inflorescences, and the third and fourth instar larvae were found on female inflorescences and developing bunches. All treatments were effective in reducing the larval population of bunch moth as early as seven days after the first treatment (DAFT). However, the larval population at plots treated with B. thuringiensis recorded inconsistent results. In Site 1, it was observed that only the commercial B. thuringiensis was able to control the larval population of bunch moth up to 34 DAFT. Whereas in Site 2, both B. thuringiensis and Metarhizium anisopliae products gave control as good as chemicals up to 49 DAFT. Chlorantraniliprole application gave rapid reduction and was able to reduce and maintain low population of bunch moth up to 59 days after the last spraying. A more comprehensive study is needed to be carried out by incorporating other control measures such as mass trapping of adults and spraying of larvae using biological and chemical products in the coastal peat areas.