Dynastid Beetle Pests

摘要: Two main species of dynastid or rhinoceros beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Tribe Oryctini) Oryctes elegans, and subspecies agamemnon, attack date palms causing significant documented damage. Adults O. elegans bore into the stalks inflorescences fruit bunches to feed, oviposit in leaf axils where larvae develop may invade trunk. agamemnon frond bases, trunk, respiratory roots their tunnelling cause palm fall. It is difficult distinguish two regions both coexist. For control, annual servicing includes cutting off old fronds at bases using correct technique which enables removal breeding places, this be integrated with light trapping for catching adults. Quarantine measures hinder spread these pests uninfested areas. In India, adults a third species, rhinoceros, have been noted boring soft tissue growing point, has also reported from Yemen. Pheromone available but effectiveness it requires addition fresh traps as synergist. The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae nematode Rhabditis sp. potential pest management possible natural occurrence an area should determined, prior propagation release. pathogenic Nudivirus, was successful against lowering its populations damage coconut when introduced areas virus did not previously exist, tested dynastids. attacking do appear heart meristem V-cuts unfurling death palm, contrast attacks by on young oil palms. Also are found only dead decomposing wood other organic material, whereas tunnel living tissues.