InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Experts are once again raising the alarm about the threat of rhinoceros beetles (Oryctes rhinoceros). This pest is known to cause serious damage to oil palm and coconut trees, both in the immature phase and on productive, mature plants.

Heri Sunarko, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) expert, explained that rhinoceros beetle attacks can ravage the entire above-ground part of the plant. “The stems, fronds, and even the growing points can be attacked. This results in V-shaped or fan-like holes on the leaves and fronds. If left unchecked, the plant can die,” Heri stated.

According to Heri, the beetles often attack young palm plantations, causing even more severe damage than to mature plants. In some cases, plant death is unavoidable. This phenomenon, he added, has become more frequent with the adoption of "zero burning" land clearing practices. Without burning, organic residue in the plantations becomes an ideal breeding ground for the beetles. “This is a consequence the Indonesian palm oil industry has to face. We can no longer use burning methods, but at the same time, the risk of pest attacks has increased,” Heri explained.

Long Life Cycle

The rhinoceros beetle undergoes a complete metamorphosis, with a life cycle of more than one year. Eggs hatch in 8–12 days, becoming creamy-white larvae that can last up to 200 days. After a 17–30 day pupal stage, the adult insect emerges and can live for up to seven months.

“Larvae are typically found in piles of wood, rotten fronds, empty fruit bunches, or palm mill waste. That’s why managing breeding sites is so important. Without it, no control method will be effective,” Heri added.

Integrated Control Strategies

Heri stressed that rhinoceros beetle control must be an integrated effort. Recommended methods include:

Mechanical: Manually removing beetles from young plants using a hooked iron tool.

Sanitation: Clearing and shredding dead wood, empty bunches, and organic residue to speed up decomposition and prevent them from becoming larval nests.

Pheromone traps: Using chemical scents to attract adult beetles, which is effective on taller palms.

Natural repellents: Using naphthalene balls, which have been shown to reduce attacks by up to 97%.

Biological: Using natural enemies like Baculovirus oryctes, Metharizium sp., and Beauveria bassiana.

Chemical: Applying liquid or granular insecticides, although this method is considered less efficient for productive plants.

“Controlling them without eradicating breeding sites is like bailing out a leaking boat without plugging the hole. The attacks will just keep happening,” Heri warned.

Routine monitoring is also key. The intensity of attacks and the location of breeding sites must be continuously mapped to determine the next strategy. This allows farmers to mitigate damage before the pests spread widely. Heri concluded that sustainable palm oil management isn’t just about certification or productivity—it also includes protecting plants from dangerous pests. (T2)