Repellent action of some insecticides against Oryctes rhinoceros

Abstract

The effectiveness of Aldrex, Aldrin and BHC used as repellents for the control of the coconut black beetle were investigated. Each insecticide was tested at two levels and three application frequencies of 4.8 and 12 weeks. Aldrex was used as 5.6 ml/litre (0.14perc.) or 2.8 ml/litre (0.07perc.). Aldrin 21/2perc. dust and BHC 10perc. dust were used mixed with sand in the ratios, insecticide to sand of 1:2 and 1:4. The Aldrex was poured to the cabbage area and the dusts were used as axil placemets. A highly significant correlation was observed between growth rate of palm and beetle attacks necessitating a correction in the analysis for insecticide effects. Aldrex at 5.6 ml?litre and BHC 10perc. dust as the 1:4 mixture with sand were significantly effective as repellents. The seasonel attack pattern on young palms indicate a correlation between attacks and rainfall, attack peaks occurring approximately seven weeks after a rainfall peak.