Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

DEVELOPMENT OF IPM MODULE FOR RHINOCEROS BEETLE (ORYCTES RHINOCEROS L.) IN JUVENILE COCONUT GARDEN

R. Emaiya, E. Sumathi, V.G. Mathirajan, S.V. Krishnamoorthy, N. Sathiah and K. Venkatesan

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is an important crucial plantation crop and prone to many pests and diseases. Rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L.) is an important pest that causes damage and reduce the yield. During 2018, Gaja cyclone affected the coconut plantations in delta regions of Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinm Districts. Rhinoceros beetle was found to inflict severe damage in replanted young coconut seedlings. The present study was carried out to mitigate the damage due to rhinoceros beetle in coconut gardens. Shoot damage of 14.07, 11.36, and 18.17 per cent was recorded in Module - I recommended practice, Module - II IPM and module - III farmers’ practice respectively. The maximum shoot damage reduction of 37.48 per cent was observed over farmers’ practice recorded in Module - II IPM followed by recommended practice (22.56%). Module - II IPM was found to be effective against rhinoceros beetles than recommended practice and farmers’ practice.