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
Recommended Citation
Orense, Johana C.; Alfiler, Ambrosio Raul R.; and Imperial, Ma. Leonila R., "Prospects for biological control of Brontispa longissima (Gestro) attacking coconut in the Philippines" (2009). Journal Article. 5417.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/5417
En – AGROVOC descriptors
BEAUVERIA BASSIANA; METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE; INSECTA; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS; PEST CONTROL; PHILIPPINES