Evaluation of Alternate Insecticides for the Management of Rhinoceros Beetle,(Oryctes rhinoceros L.) in Coconut Ecosystems

Abstract

Young coconut palms in the age group of one to six years are frequently succumbed to attack in the crown region especially the spear leaf due to rhinoceros beetles. Damage by the beetle results in ‘V’ shaped cuts in the leaf lamina and repeated attacks by the pest results in reduced leaf area for photosynthesis. The available insecticide for the management of rhinoceros beetles viz., phorate, carbofuran, etc. though effective, are found to be toxic to non target organisms and hence alternate insecticides were evaluated for the management of the black beetles. Among the different insecticides tested in farmers fields, chlorpyriphos 1.5%DP and chlorantraniliprole 0.4% GR insecticides along with 100-150 gram of sand are effective in reducing the leaf and spindle damage as effective as phorate 10G insecticide. Considering the harmful nature of phorate, insecticides viz., chlorantranliprole and chlorpyriphos can be recommended for the management of rhinoceros beetle in coconut ecosystems which are both efficacious as well as cost effective