Oryctes rhinoceros Beetles, an Oil Palm Pest in Malaysia

Abstract

Oryctes rhinoceros, commonly known as the rhinoceros beetle is an important agricultural pest that is known to inflict serious damage on young oil palm trees. Many researches have been conducted on its development, life cycle, habitat, management and genomic variation ever since the need to understand this pest arose. Oryctes rhinoceros is among the longest present agricultural pest in Malaysia and it has witnessed the formulation and implementation of various phases of control and management strategies. To date, research and development activities are still ongoing in Malaysia for the successful management of this pest. In this review, we look into details on the characteristics of this pest, the modes of its introduction into Malaysia, as well as the events that helped to establish and contribute to the proliferation of this pest as a major oil palm threat in Malaysia. The progressive development of various research and development activities concerning the management and control of this pest are also highlighted.

INFECTIVITY OF Oryctes NUDIVIRUS PRODUCED ON CELL CULTURE DSIR HA-1179 AGAINST LARVAE AND ITS EFFECTS ON FEEDING OF NEONATES OF RHINOCEROS BEETLE, Oryctes rhinoceros

“…The feeding activity by the adults of rhinoceros beetles caused damage to oil palm and reducing yield (Manjeri et al, 2014). The OrNV infection affects the feeding behaviour, as well as the fecundity of the insect hosts as observed in fields by Zelazny (1977).…”

Transpacific coalescent pathways of coconut rhinoceros beetle biotypes: Resistance to biological control catalyses resurgence of an old pest

“…Adult beetles feed on developing palm fronds, leading to nutrient deficiency, delayed maturity and, in cases of severe infestation, tree death (Hinckley, , ; Liau & Ahmad, ; Young, ). Yield loss in agricultural settings can be severe, with regional palm tree mortality reaching 50–100% (Dhileepan, ; Gressitt, ; Khoo, Ooi, & Ho, ; Manjeri, Muhamad, & Tan, ). The beetle also damages tourist economies indirectly by degrading the palm‐dependent tropical aesthetic that tourism industries rely on in destinations such as Guam and Hawaii (Smith & Moore, ).…”

Burrowing activity of coconut rhinoceros beetle on Guam cycads

“…Coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) is a devastating pest of the economically important coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). The female adult oviposits in and larvae feed on dead and decaying organic materials [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The larval stage is 11-15 weeks in length, and the pupal stage is about 6 weeks in length [2].…”

“…The larval stage is 11-15 weeks in length, and the pupal stage is about 6 weeks in length [2]. The adult beetles emerge from the dead and decaying tissues to begin the life stage that directly consumes liquids that are expressed by macerating metabolically active soft tissues in growing plant organs [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. The common name of this herbivore is misleading, in that the reported host range for the adult stage is extensive [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”