Biology and bionomics of palm white grub, Leucopholis burmeisteri.
Padmanaban B., Daniel M.
Author Affiliation: CPCRI Regional Station, Vittal - 574 243, Karnataka, India.
Indian Journal of Entomology 65 : 444-452
Abstract : Arecanut palm white grub, Leucopholis burmeisteri is the major pest of arecanut palms in Karnataka and Kerala, India causing significant yield loss. Grub feeding on roots results in yellowing of leaves and stem tapering. Studies on the biology and bionomics of this pest were conducted in Kerala in 1991-94 and in Karnataka in 1991-95. Stem tapering in relation to yield has been correlated. From initial infestation, the spread of root grub infestation takes 4-6 years. Therefore it is easy to manage the white grub infestation by means adult beetle collection during emergence. Several natural enemies have also been found infecting on the white grubs: Myrothecium sp,, Bacillus sp., Pseudomonocystis sp., Campsomeriella collaris [Campsomeris collaris], Ligyra oenomaus, Leptogenys sp., Pheidologeton diversus and entomophilic nematodes. In host preference studies, the pest preferred fig (Ficus glomerata [F. racemosa]) and cashew over all the other plants tested (rose, Rosa indica [Rosa chinensis]; guava, tamarind, mango, neem, cocoa, plantain and moringa, Moringa oleifera).