ABSTRACT The rhinoceros beetle (RB) (Oryctes monoceros) is a significant pest of oil palm in India. A survey conducted from August to October 2023 in Pedavegi, Challachintalapudi, and Makkinavarigudem, Andhra Pradesh, assessed pest damage, breeding sites, and traps. Visual checks, fish net traps, and pheromone traps were utilized for monitoring. During the assessment of insect damage and after sampling 477 oil palm trees, it was determined that the mean incidence of rhinoceros beetle damage in the study area ranged from 32% to 100%, with an average of 79.93%. Out of 12,213 fronds sampled, 1,894 were damaged, resulting in a damage rate of 15.51%. Breeding sites produced 114 grubs, 9 pupae, and 7 adults. A total of 227 beetles were captured in Barrix Pheromone traps, averaging 3.60 beetles per trap per week. Relative flight densities were highest in Pedavegi (5.76 F/T/W), followed by Challachintalapudi (3.19 F/T/W), and Makkinavarigudem (1.95 F/T/W). This study underscores the importance of polyphasic monitoring for effective pest management in oil palm cultivation in India.
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