Beauveria bassiana for Coconut – Control Red Palm Weevil, Beetles, Whitefly & Mealybugs

Kannur's coconut palms are the pride of our district. But every year, a range of pests threatens their health and productivity. The red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) bores into the trunk, leaving behind tunnels and frass. The first sign is wilting of the central shoot, followed by the palm's collapse. Once infested, the palm has little chance of survival. The rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) attacks the crown, boring into unopened fronds and flowers, causing characteristic V‑cuts in the fronds and reducing nut yield. The coconut whitefly and mealybugs suck sap from the underside of fronds, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and sooty mould, which further reduces photosynthesis.

Chemical pesticides offer only temporary relief, harm beneficial insects, and can leave residues that affect your coconuts' market value.

Beauveria bassiana is the natural, proven solution. Beauveria is an entomopathogenic fungus – it infects and kills insects. It is produced at Kerala Agricultural University's biocontrol laboratory and is recommended for controlling berry borer in coffee, as well as sucking pests and lepidopteran pests of crops. Beauveria bassiana is also effective against red palm weevil and coconut whitefly. The fungus's spores attach to the pest's cuticle, germinate, and secrete enzymes that break through the exoskeleton. Once inside, it proliferates and produces toxins like beauvericin, killing the pest within 3‑7 days. After death, a white, cottony growth (the "white muscardine fungus") appears on the cadaver, releasing more spores to infect other pests.

How to apply Beauveria bassiana on coconut (Bactostore method):

Foliar spray on fronds (for whiteflies, mealybugs, scales, and adult beetles):

• For liquid formulation: Mix 2‑5 ml of Bactostore's Beauveria bassiana liquid in 1 litre of water. For 1 acre, use 1‑2 litres of liquid diluted in 200‑400 litres of water.

• For powder formulation: Mix 5‑10g of Bactostore's Beauveria powder in 1 litre of water. For 1 acre, use 1‑2 kg of powder diluted in 200‑400 litres of water.

• For better results, add 2 kg jaggery (gur) – the sugar feeds the fungus, boosting spore germination.

• Spray thoroughly on both sides of fronds, the crown, and the trunk. Pay special attention to the underside of leaves where whiteflies and mealybugs hide, and to the leaf axils where beetles hide.

• Spray in early morning or late evening when UV rays are low and humidity is high. Cloudy days are ideal.

• Repeat every 15‑20 days during active infestation.

Soil application (for red palm weevil and rhinoceros beetle grubs that live in organic matter):

• Take 20‑50g of Bactostore's Beauveria powder per palm

• Mix with 1‑2 kg of well‑decomposed FYM or cow dung

• Apply in the basin around the palm (15‑20 cm from the trunk) and cover with soil. The fungus will infect the grubs living in manure pits and decaying organic matter.

• Apply pre‑monsoon (April‑May) and again post‑monsoon (September‑October)

For red palm weevil infestation (emergency treatment):

• If you see early signs (wilting central shoot, frass at the base), mix 50g Beauveria powder in 5 litres of water

• Pour this solution into the weevil bore holes and soak the surrounding area. Repeat after 15 days.

Important tips for Kannur coconut farmers:

• Beauveria works best at 25‑30°C and high humidity (>70%) – perfect for Kannur's climate

• Do not mix with chemical fungicides – they will kill the fungus

• For best results, maintain clean field conditions – remove decaying organic matter where beetles breed

• Use pheromone traps for red palm weevil along with Beauveria for integrated management

Buy from Bactostore. We deliver fresh Beauveria bassiana – liquid or powder – to all Kannur coconut gardens. Mention "Coconut farmer" for a 5% discount.

📞 Call 9146150117 | 🌐 www.peaklab.co.in