Managing the invasive small limacodid moth (Penthocrates sp.) infesting oil palm in Agusan del Sur, Philippines

Issue Date

10-2015

Abstract

The small limacodid moth (Penthocrates sp.) is an introduced insect pest of oil palm in Agusan del Sur, Philippines. It is not known whether the insect pest was first introduced to oil palm or to coconut in the region. Nonetheless, the spread of the infestation was a cause for alarm in the oil palm industry is Agusan del Sur in mid-'80s to the '90s. To manage the pest, studies on the life history of the insect were conducted. The ecology of the pest in relation to climatic changes was likewise studied as basis for decision on what management strategy to apply. Pest census was conducted adopting a census plan, wherein sampling was done from established palms, designated as census points, every fortnight. The data gathered were correlated with rainfall and temperature, being the 2 major climatic data that can influence population dynamics. Spot checking was likewise conducted weekly in critical areas to monitor the pest population in relation to predation and parasitism. The findings in both sampling methods were used to categorize areas into light, moderate or heavily infested. Protocols for each infestation capacity have been developed. Member of the Pest Control/Management crew in each of the plantation divisions have been oriented on these protocols. For light infestation, application of Bacillus thuringiensis-based biopesticide was the first option when the insects were in the early development stages (designated as young larvae) while spot checking was continued to monitor parasitism and predation levels. Monitoring of the parasitism and predation levels continued in fields categorized as moderately infested. In cases where the pest population was rising, peripheral spraying with chemical insecticide was done to prevent spread to areas free from infestation while spraying of B. thuringiensis-based biopesticide was conducted within the confined moderately infested area. For heavily-infested fields, root infusion was conducted. In areas where the infestation level was fluctuating from light to moderate after 2 generations of Penthocrates sp., release of predators and parasites was done to allow natural ecological balance. Regular monitoring was continuously done and part of the monthly report of the oil palm plantation divisions. The strategy resulted in saving at least 1,500 hectares of oil palm from devastation and another 6,000 hectares within the same oil palm estate.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

29

Issue

2

Page

224

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

LIMACODIDAE; OIL PALMS; PEST INSECTS; PESTS OF PLANTS; PEST CONTROL; INFESTATION; LIFE CYCLE; PHILIPPINES

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