Effect of Baculovirus oryctes concentration on mortality of Oryctes rhinoceros L.

Abstract

One of the key plantation crops in Indonesia, particularly in the expanding Riau region, is oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). The frequent attacks by Rhinoceros beetles (Oryctes rhinoceros), are the greatest barrier to oil palm development in Riau region. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which puts an emphasis on ecologically friendly controls one of which uses the entomopathogen Baculovirus oryctes, is the preferred control strategy. This study sought to determine the optimal suspension concentration of Baculovirus oryctes infected larvae on the mortality of the Oryctes rhinoceros beetle. The treatment given was concentration of Baculovirus oryctes suspension of, 0 ml.500 ml−1 water (0 x 106 PIBs.ml−1), 40 ml.500 ml−1 water (6 x 106 PIBs.ml−1), 50 ml.500 ml−1 water (7.6 x 106 PIBs.ml−1), 60 ml.500 ml−1 water (9.3 x 106 PIBs.ml−1) and 70 ml.500 ml−1 water (9.6 x 106 PIBs.ml−1). The results showed that the suspension concentration of 70 ml.500 ml−1 water (9.6 x 106 PIBs/ml) is the best trend concentration because it generates the fastest initial time of death which is 180 hours, lethal time 50 for 288 hours after application and total mortality of 70.83%. The conclusion is that Baculovirus oryctes can be used to kill rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros best at a concentration of 70 ml.500 ml−1 water (9.6 x 106 PIBs ml−1).