The Efficiency of Verticillium lecanii as Biological Control

against Coconut Hispine Beetles

Alvarado, Gelera, Sabandal

Adviser: Mr. Fil Plimaco

ABSTRACT:
Philippines, being the one of the largest coconut producing country worldwide, had been vulnerable to the damage brought by coconut hispine beetles. This study
tested the efficiency of Verticillium lecanii against Brontispa longissima (Coconut Hispine Beetle). This research focused on the formulation of the fungus in enhancing its potential to control the insect pest. The ability of the beetle to develop resistance against pesticides and chemical controls became the basis of this study.
Adult beetles were collected and placed in test tubes, each having a strand of coconut leaf for its food supply. The fungus was cultured using Sabouraud agar (SDA)
o

and incubated at room temperature (25 C) for 7 days. Five(5) mL distilled water was accumulated on the surface of the mycelium. 1.0x10 conidia/mL was determined using
haemocytometer and was placed in a spray container. The beetles were sprayed with the solution. The physical properties and responsiveness of the beetles were evaluated. Three (3) set-ups were constructed: the fungi solution, commercial pesticide, and distilled water - each having two replicates.
The exoskeletons of the beetles observed in the fungi solution were slowly shedding with respect to the given time allotment. Most of the beetles observed in the
commercial pesticide control were killed immediately and some were just paralyzed and were able to regain previous condition. Meanwhile, nothing happened to the beetle
with distilled water. Based from the results, it was concluded that Verticillium lecanii was efficient as a biological control against coconut hispine beetle.

OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE:
The main objective of the study is to determine the effect of Verticillium lecanii on
the Coconut Hispine Beetles.
It also aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial pesticide on the coconut leaf beetles and compare if the use of V. lecanii is better than the commerciallyavailable pesticide in killing the coconut hispine beetles.

PROCESS FLOWCHART:

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

If Verticillium lecanii is proven to be an effective biological control agent
against Brontispa longissima, the following will benefit:

ACQUISITION OF THE BEETLES

CULTURING OF THE FUNGI

Coconut Farmers They will be able to utilize an alternative solution in eradicating the threatening Coconut Hispine Beetles.

PCA (Philippine Coconut Authority) This concerned institution will have a

better option in their plan to stop the continuing invasion of the Brontispa in the

CONIDIAL SUSPENSION

Philippines.

Future Researchers The study will lead to more possible researches onV.

lecanii

APPLICATION OF THE SOLUTION

ON THE BEETLES

DISCUSSION:
Only two trials were successfully conducted (including the pre-trial). The
Figure Average Values of affected beetles

expected 144 test beetles were deduced into only 96 beetles in 12 set-ups.
With the results shown in the table, the effect of V. lecanii started to appear on
the third day. By the end of the week, all beetles in every replicate were infect-

CONCLUSION:
These results conclude that Verticillium lecanii is efficient as biological control
against coconut hispine beetle. Hence, V. lecanii is also a better treatment in killing
the beetle than chemical pesticides.

ed by the fungi. In the positive set-up, all beetles have been recorded as dead
because of unresponsiveness or peristaltic contraction. However, in the second trial first replicate, one beetle was able to regain its previous condition
and was considered alive.