Biological Control of Coconut Scale Outbreaks with Coccinellid Predator Chilocorus politus: A Success Story in Indonesia
摘要
Since coconut scale (Aspidotus destructor, A. rigidus) had been reported in 1951 to occur in Indonesia, there was no incidence of the pest outbreaks. El Nino 1998 was believed a trigger for the coconut scale being outbreaks mainly in eastern parts of Indonesia such as in regencies of Ende (1998–2004), Southeast Maluku (2004–2006), Lembata (2007–2010), Tambrauw (2018), Teluk Wondama (2021), and recently in Selayar (2023). Pruning and burning of infested leaves and trunk injection of systemic insecticides had only temporary control effect then reinfestation of the pest occurred in the infested localities. Introduction of coccinellid predator namely Chilocorus politus Mulsant (Coleoptera:Coccinellidae) from Yogyakarta was completely successful to control the outbreaks of the coconut scale in localities of the pest infestation. The biological control programs are successful, effective, permanent and environmentally sound.