Prospects for biological control of Brontispa longissima (Gestro) attacking coconut in the Philippines

Issue Date

10-2009

Abstract

Brontispa longissima (Gestro) has ravaged millions of coconut and ornamental palms in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Region. Because of its recent introduction to the Philippines, natural enemies are believed to be few or non-existent. In several surveys however, entomopathogenic fungi, predators and parasites were found attacking the pest. Beauveria bassiana (white muscardine fungus) and Metarrhizium annisopliae (green muscardine fungus) infected the pest at the larval, pupal and adult stages. Three earwig species, Chelisoches morio, Euborella annulata, and one unidentified species, preyed on the beetle larvae. An unidentified Hymenopteran parasitoid has been observed to attack a 4th instar larva. Two other Hymenopterans and one Dipteran parasite were likewise found associated with the pest. Studies are underway to determine the most effective species and to devise rearing methods and delivery systems for the natural enemies.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

23

Issue

2

Page

195

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

BEAUVERIA BASSIANA; METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE; INSECTA; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS; PEST CONTROL; PHILIPPINES

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