Introducing Baculovirus oryctes Huger into Oryctes monoceros Oliv. populations in Tanzania

A follow-up of a Baculovirus oryctes release into the population of Oryctes monoceros in coconut plantations in Tanzania has been made to clarify impo rtant points which were not fully considered in an earlier publication. The low recovery of virus-infected field-collected beetles (29%) suggested tha t the release of B. oryctes virus was not a suitable method for the control of O. monoceros. The relatively dry conditions in the coconut growing area s were partly contributory since the Virus is non-occluded. No significant and sustainable reduction in fiend damage was obtained after the virus had established itself in the natural O. monoceros population. The status of O. monoceros as a serious pest of coconut is also revised since the beetle af fects young plantations more than older plantations and control methods can be directed at picking up feeding insects by hooking and disposal of breed ing sites.