The management of Rhinoceros beetle by baculovirus is a land mark success in biological control. The baculovirus infests both the grubs and adults of the beetles. The virus is released in the field by infected beetles. Beetles can be collected in large numbers manually from breeding grounds or by deploying the same RB pheromone traps. A diseased grub is macerated in 100 ml clean water containing 5 gm sugar, the suspension is taken in shallow container and the collected beetles are allowed to wade in that for about half an hour. The healthy beetles during this period take up the virus inoculums and get infected. The beetles are later confined in saw dust overnight. The next day at dusk the beetles visiting breeding sites pass on the infection to both larvae and adults. The transmission is by contamination with healthy partner.
It has been proved that virus alone can bring down the pest population to a very low level. Other methods such as hooking, destruction of breeding sites on palm if integrated with other measures can be effectively used to manage beetle problem. During the last few years biological control has been the major way of managing rhinoceros beetle as its effect is self perpetuating, long lasting, cost effective and overall pesticide independent.
It is eco-friendly as it does not have any pesticide or any harmful chemical to the atmosphere. It will improve the coconut production by controlling Rhinocerous beetle population. Its effect is self perpetuating, long lasting and cost effective.
Director, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.