Mass trapping of red palm weevil and rhinoceros beetle in coconut with aggregation pheromone

Abstract

Field studies and front line demonstrations were conducted during 2017–2019 to popularise the pheromone technology for wide area management of red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros in coconut plantations at Goa. Red palm weevil activity was observed throughout the experimental period, with maximum being during post monsoon period between October and November. Its’ least activity was during pre and monsoon period during April to June. The maximum attraction of O. rhinoceros was observed during July and September. Captures in the pheromone traps were female dominated, with overall sex ratio (male: female) of red palm weevil and rhinoceros beetle being 1:2.97 and 1:1.56, respectively. About 64 and 50% reduction of damage symptoms of red palm weevil and rhinoceros beetle was observed in pheromone implemented plantations. Thus, continuous mass trapping of red palm weevil and rhinoceros beetle through pheromone technology significantly reduces the infestation in coconut plantation.