ISHS Acta Horticulturae 153: IX African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE RHINOCEROS BEETLE (ORYCTES MONOCEROS) BY THE VIRUS BACULOVIRUS ORYCTES |
| Author: | C.J. Lomer |
| Abstract:
Sufficient field results have now been obtained from trials of the virus for an appraisal of its ability to control the beetle to be made. Whereas on the islands of St. Anne and Mahe the infection rate has stabilized at 30–40%, on Praslin the steady rate is 65–100%. Even at this high rate the beetles are able to maintain a breeding population, although probably at a lower level than in the absence of the virus. The possibility of a release of the Samoan virus strain is being considered. | |
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