Incidence of Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and Eriophyid Mite (Aceria guerreronis) on a Coconut Plantation In Pollachi Area

Abstract

A survey was carried out to identify the major insect pests in the coconut farm of the Pollachi area. There were two major pests viz., rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) were predominant during the period of observation. Natural enemies viz., Chelisochus mori, and Campsomeriella collaris were identified, and the level of population was meagre. The incidence of rhinoceros beetle ranged from 36.26 to 41.97 % of which the highest incidence was recorded in B and E block, respectively. The incidence of eriophyid mite ranged from 4.52 to 16.45 %, against a minimum of 4.52 % noticed in D block. The incidence of rhinoceros beetle was maximum (43.50%) during April, followed by March month as compared to the lowest in January (34.7%). Similarly, the incidence of eriophyid mite was maximum (12.92%) during April followed by March (9.78%) as against the lowest incidence during January (7.40%). The peak occurrence of eriophyid mite was recorded during March and April might be due to the influence of either temperature or relative humidity.