EVALUATING ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI FOR THE BIOCONTROL OF THE RED PALM WEEVIL, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (COLEOPTERA: DRYOPHTHORIDAE)

Masdah Mawi, Mohamad Firdaus Ahmad, Insyirah Ishak, Wan Muhammad Azrul Wan Azhar, Norhayu Asib

Abstract


Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, commonly known as the Red Palm Weevil (RPW), is one of the most destructive invasive pests of palm species worldwide, causing severe economic losses in coconut and date palm plantations and posing a potential threat to oil palm plantations. Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) and offers a more environmentally sustainable approach than relying solely on chemical insecticides. This study aimed to screen and identify indigenous virulent EPF strains against adult R. ferrugineus under laboratory conditions. Twenty-two fungal isolates comprising Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, and Isaria fumosorosea known as Cordyceps fumosorasea were evaluated in a laboratory bioassay. Mortality was recorded daily for 21 days, and the median lethal time (LT₅₀) was estimated using probit analysis. Among the tested isolates, five strains demonstrated high virulence, with UPMC 867 (Metarhizium anisopliae) exhibiting the shortest LT₅₀ (9.18 days) and the highest infection rate (93%). This study systematically screened a collection of indigenous Malaysian entomopathogenic fungal (EPF) isolates against adult Red Palm Weevils (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) and identified UPMC 867 as a highly virulent candidate for biological control. These findings provide a scientific basis for selecting locally adapted EPF strains for future bioformulation development and sustainable management of the Red Palm Weevil.


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References


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