Damage Intensity and Geographic Distribution of Oryctes rhinoceros on Coconut in Rote-Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Oryctes rhinoceros poses a significant threat to coconut plants in several coconut-producing nations, including Rote Ndao District. Recognizing the distribution and severity of crop damage caused by this pest in Rote Ndao Regency is crucial for preemptively preventing pest outbreaks and evaluated the extent of the damage. This study aims estimate the damage intensity and to identify the geographic distribution of O. rhinoceros in the Rote Ndao District. Conducted through a mobile across central coconut production areas in every sub-district of Rote Ndao Regency, the study examined variables such as damage symptoms, damage intensity, and spatial data represented coordinate points. Analysis of damage intensity data involved calculating average values. These coordinates were then overlaid with administrative data for Ndao Regency to create a map illustrating the distribution of damage severity. The results showed that O. rhinoceros attack symptoms on coconut plants were in ninety-five villages in ten sub-districts in Rote Ndao Regency. This pest is categorized as a pest important because the damage intensity map was found in ten sub-districts in Rote Ndao Regency. Average damage intensity is 8.99%. Multiple approaches, including sanitation environmental, sex pheromones, and entomopathogenic fungi, are employed to manage this pest effectively.