Alvarado, Gelera, SabandalAlvarado, Gelera, SabandalAlvarado, Gelera, Sabandal Adviser: Mr. Fil PlimacoAdviser: Mr. Fil PlimacoAdviser: Mr. Fil Plimaco

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 po-

tential 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)

and incubated at room temperature (25oC) for 7 days. Five(5) mL distilled water was accumulated on the surface of the mycelium. 1.0x10

6 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 evaluat-

ed. 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.

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 coco-

nut leaf beetles and compare if the use of V. lecanii is better than the commercially-

available pesticide in killing the coconut hispine beetles.

If Verticillium lecanii is proven to be an effective biological control agent

against Brontispa longissima, the following will benefit:

Coconut Farmers – They will be able to utilize an alternative solution in eradi-

cating 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

Philippines.

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

lecanii

PROCESS FLOWCHART:PROCESS FLOWCHART:PROCESS FLOWCHART:

ACQUISITION OF THE BEETLES CULTURING OF THE FUNGI

CONIDIAL SUSPENSION

APPLICATION OF THE SOLUTION

ON THE BEETLES

CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION: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.

The Efficiency of The Efficiency of The Efficiency of Verticillium lecanii as Biological Control Verticillium lecanii as Biological Control Verticillium lecanii as Biological Control

against against against Coconut Hispine BeetlesCoconut Hispine BeetlesCoconut Hispine Beetles

ABSTRACT:

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE:

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

Only two trials were successfully conducted (including the pre-trial). The

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-

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 se-

cond trial first replicate, one beetle was able to regain its previous condition

and was considered alive.

DISCUSSION:

Figure Average Values of affected beetles