M. Anisopliae Effectiveness Test On O. Rhinoceros Metch Larvae (Coleoptera; Scarabaeidae) In The Laboratory
Introduction
The Oryctes rhinoceros, commonly known as the rhinoceros beetle, is a significant pest in oil palm plantations, causing damage to the plant's roots and reducing its productivity. The use of chemical pesticides to control this pest has been a common practice, but it has several drawbacks, including environmental pollution and the development of pesticide-resistant populations. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative control methods, such as the use of biological control agents.
One of the biological control agents that has been studied extensively is Metarhizium anisopliae, a fungus that infects and kills insects. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Metarhizium anisopliae in controlling Oryctes rhinoceros larvae in the laboratory.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted at the Plantation Pest and Disease Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. The study used a non-factorial random group design with 4 treatments and 6 replications. The treatments used were:
- M0 (Control): Without application of Metarhizium anisopliae.
- M1 (Spray 20 gr/m² Metarhizium with soil): Larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros were sprayed with a suspension of Metarhizium anisopliae as much as 20 grams per square meter on the soil.
- M2 (Mixed 20 gr/m² Metarhizium into oil palm stem powder): Larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros were placed on media mixed with 20 grams of Metarhizium anisopliae per square meter.
- M3 (Soil and food sprayed Metarhizium 20 gr/m²): Larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros were placed on the soil media and the food was sprayed with a suspension of Metarhizium anisopliae as much as 20 grams per square meter.
The observation parameters included the percentage of infection of Oryctes rhinoceros by Metarhizium anisopliae and the percentage of larval mortality of Oryctes rhinoceros.
Results
The results of this study showed that the percentage of infection of Oryctes rhinoceros by Metarhizium anisopliae was highest in the treatment of M1 (spray 20 gr/m² Metarhizium with soil) and M2 (mixed 20 gr/m² Metarhizium into oil palm stem powder), which was 100%. The lowest percentage of infection was found in the treatment of M0 (control), which was 0.00%.
The percentage of larval mortality of Oryctes rhinoceros was highest in the treatment of M1 (spray 20 gr/m² Metarhizium with soil), which was 96.67%, and the lowest in the treatment of M0 (control), which was 0.00%.
Analysis and Discussion
The results of this study indicate that Metarhizium anisopliae has good potential in controlling Oryctes rhinoceros larvae. The application of Metarhizium anisopliae by spraying into the ground or mixed into oil palm stems showed the most effective results in infecting and killing larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros.
This shows that Metarhizium anisopliae can infect larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros through direct contact with soil or food. Infection of Metarhizium anisopliae will cause death in larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros because this fungus will grow and develop in the body of the larvae and release deadly toxins.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that Metarhizium anisopliae is effective in controlling Oryctes rhinoceros larvae. The application of Metarhizium anisopliae by spraying into the ground or mixed into oil palm stems is the most effective method.
However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of Metarhizium anisopliae and its effect on the population of Oryctes rhinoceros in the field.
Suggestion
The application of Metarhizium anisopliae as a biological control agent to control the population of Oryctes rhinoceros in oil palm plantations needs to be further reviewed. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Metarhizium anisopliae on a field scale and its influence on plantation ecosystems.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in the laboratory, and the results may not be applicable to the field. Secondly, the study only used a limited number of treatments, and further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of Metarhizium anisopliae.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of Metarhizium anisopliae on a field scale and its influence on plantation ecosystems. Additionally, further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of Metarhizium anisopliae and its effect on the population of Oryctes rhinoceros in the field.
Implications of the Study
The results of this study have several implications. Firstly, the use of Metarhizium anisopliae as a biological control agent to control the population of Oryctes rhinoceros in oil palm plantations is a promising approach. Secondly, the study highlights the need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of Metarhizium anisopliae on a field scale and its influence on plantation ecosystems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that Metarhizium anisopliae is effective in controlling Oryctes rhinoceros larvae. The application of Metarhizium anisopliae by spraying into the ground or mixed into oil palm stems is the most effective method. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of Metarhizium anisopliae and its effect on the population of Oryctes rhinoceros in the field.
Q: What is Metarhizium Anisopliae?
A: Metarhizium anisopliae is a fungus that infects and kills insects, including the Oryctes rhinoceros. It is a biological control agent that has been used to control pest populations in various agricultural systems.
Q: What is Oryctes Rhinoceros?
A: Oryctes rhinoceros is a species of beetle that is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is a significant pest in oil palm plantations, causing damage to the plant's roots and reducing its productivity.
Q: How does Metarhizium Anisopliae control Oryctes Rhinoceros?
A: Metarhizium anisopliae infects Oryctes rhinoceros larvae through direct contact with soil or food. The fungus grows and develops in the body of the larvae, releasing deadly toxins that ultimately kill the larvae.
Q: What are the benefits of using Metarhizium Anisopliae to control Oryctes Rhinoceros?
A: The benefits of using Metarhizium anisopliae to control Oryctes rhinoceros include:
- Reduced chemical pesticide use
- Lower environmental impact
- Increased crop productivity
- Reduced economic losses due to pest damage
Q: What are the limitations of using Metarhizium Anisopliae to control Oryctes Rhinoceros?
A: The limitations of using Metarhizium anisopliae to control Oryctes rhinoceros include:
- Limited availability of the fungus
- Limited knowledge of the optimal dose and application method
- Potential for resistance development in the pest population
Q: How can Metarhizium Anisopliae be applied to control Oryctes Rhinoceros?
A: Metarhizium anisopliae can be applied to control Oryctes rhinoceros through various methods, including:
- Spraying the fungus into the soil or on the plant
- Mixing the fungus with oil palm stem powder or other substrates
- Using the fungus as a biopesticide in combination with other control methods
Q: What are the future research directions for Metarhizium Anisopliae and Oryctes Rhinoceros?
A: Future research directions for Metarhizium anisopliae and Oryctes rhinoceros include:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of Metarhizium anisopliae on a field scale
- Determining the optimal dose and application method for Metarhizium anisopliae
- Investigating the potential for resistance development in the pest population
Q: What are the implications of using Metarhizium Anisopliae to control Oryctes Rhinoceros?
A: The implications of using Metarhizium anisopliae to control Oryctes rhinoceros include:
- Reduced chemical pesticide use and lower environmental impact
- Increased crop productivity and reduced economic losses due to pest damage
- Potential for improved food security and reduced poverty in agricultural communities
Q: How can I get more information about Metarhizium Anisopliae and Oryctes Rhinoceros?
A: You can get more information about Metarhizium anisopliae and Oryctes rhinoceros by:
- Contacting your local agricultural extension office or university
- Searching online for scientific articles and research papers
- Attending workshops or conferences on biological control and integrated pest management.