Abstract
The rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) was accidentally introduced into Samoa in 1909 from where it spread to many islands in the south-west Pacific. A novel virus pathogenic to the beetle, originally designated as Rhabdionvirus oryctes and later Oryctes virus, was isolated from Malaysia and introduced into Samoa in 1963. Later releases took place in Tonga, Fiji and other Pacific Islands. The virus rapidly established and caused high levels of infection that spread as epizootics through the beetle populations. The virus killed larvae in breeding sites and caused adult beetles to cease feeding, leading to reduced damage and a decline in fecundity of the pest population. Researchers reported spectacular declines in the treated populations within 1–3 years of application. Reapplication has proven effective where there has been a resurgence of beetle damage. After 40 years from the initial releases, high palm damage has been reported from some areas suggesting a breakdown of control. Selection of more virulent strains and improved methods of application could overcome these problems.
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Jackson, T.A. (2009). The Use of Oryctes Virus for Control of Rhinoceros Beetle in the Pacific Islands. In: Hajek, A.E., Glare, T.R., O’Callaghan, M. (eds) Use of Microbes for Control and Eradication of Invasive Arthropods. Progress in Biological Control, vol 6. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8560-4_8
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