Use of pheromones for monitoring and control strategies of coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros): A review

Abstract

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros, CRB), a native to South-east Asia, is a major pest of coconut and oil palms in the Pacific. Beetles produce an aggregation pheromone identified as ethyl 4-methyloctanoate (E4-MO). Beetles use this pheromone to locate suitable feeding sites in palms and breeding materials. E4-MO has been used for more than 30 years for monitoring and trapping of CRB but recent range expansion by the pest requires re-evaluation of strategies for its use. In this review, we present a brief history of CRB attractants and the discovery of E4-MO. We also describe pheromone-based strategies used to manage CRB, including pest detection, monitoring, and mass trapping. We identify issues and areas for improvement in pheromone-based strategies against CRB and suggest directions for future research to optimize the management of this invasive pest.