ISHS Acta Horticulturae 288: VI International Symposium on Pollination
BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF ELAEIDOBIUS KAMERUNICUS FAUST, THE OIL PALM POLLINATOR IN MALAYSIA. |
| Authors: | M.Y. Hussein, N.H. Lajis, J.H. Ali |
| Abstract:
The weevil, Elaeidobius kamerunicus, was introduced into Malaysia in 1981 to improve pollination and increase fruit set. Yeild of fresh fruit bunches was increased following the introduction. Weevil population density varies between localities and times of the year depending on certain extrinsic and intrinsic factors. This paper reports on the research to determine the weevil's biological and chemical system associated with the establishment of the insect in the new environment. The net reproductive rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) were 3.412, 0.085, 15 days and 7 days, respectively. Two species of bacteria, Serratia marcescens and Enterobacter cloacae were found infecting the larvae. The rate of infection in the field ranged between 11–17%. Pupae were also infected by the same bacteria. The adult weevil is very host-specific to the oil palm, Elaeis guineensis and locate its host via a plant chemical called estragole (4-allylanisole). Several analogues of estragole were bioassayed against the adults and only one, 4-methoxystyrene, showed positive response. High rate of increase, lack of effective natural enemies and high host specificity are the critical factors associated with the weevil's success. | |
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