Metarhizium anisopliae for Coconut – Control Root Grubs, Rhinoceros Beetle & Termites

Your coconut palms are the pride of Kannur. But hidden beneath the soil, a silent enemy is at work: root grubs (also called white grubs). These are the larvae of scarab beetles (genus Leucopholis and Holotrichia). They feed on the tender roots of coconut palms, cutting off the palm's lifeline. The first symptom is yellowing of fronds, followed by wilting and eventually palm death. You may not even notice the problem until the palm is beyond saving. Above ground, the rhinoceros beetle attacks the crown, boring into unopened fronds and flowers, causing characteristic V‑cuts and reducing nut yield. Termites also attack roots and stems, leading to sudden collapse.

Chemical pesticides are largely ineffective against root grubs because they live deep in the soil and are protected. They also kill beneficial soil organisms and leave residues.

Metarhizium anisopliae is the proven organic solution. Metarhizium is an entomopathogenic fungus that specifically targets soil‑dwelling pests. It has been studied extensively and is produced at Kerala Agricultural University's biocontrol laboratory. Metarhizium anisopliae is recommended for the management of white grubs in coconut, arecanut, and other crops.

How Metarhizium works against coconut pests:

• For root grubs: When you apply Metarhizium powder mixed with FYM in the coconut basin, the fungal spores adhere to the grub's cuticle. The spores germinate, produce enzymes that break through the cuticle, and grow inside the grub, consuming it from within. The grub dies within 3‑7 days. The fungus then produces green spores (hence "green muscardine") that remain in the soil and can infect other grubs.

• For rhinoceros beetle: Metarhizium infects both the adult beetles and their grubs, which breed in manure pits. The spores attack the beetle's cuticle and kill it.

• For termites: The fungus infects termites through contact, and infected termites spread the fungus to the colony.

How to apply Metarhizium anisopliae on coconut (Bactostore method):

Soil application for root grubs and rhinoceros beetle grubs:

• Take 200‑250g of Bactostore's Metarhizium powder per adult palm

• Mix with 20‑25 kg of well‑decomposed FYM or cow dung

• Apply in the basin around the palm (1.5‑2 metres radius, 15‑20 cm from the trunk) and cover with soil

• Apply twice a year – pre‑monsoon (April‑May) and post‑monsoon (September‑October)

• For young palms, use half the dose (100‑125g per palm)

For termite control (soil drench):

• Mix 1‑2 litres of Metarhizium liquid in 200 litres of water

• Drench the solution around the root zone of affected palms (10‑15 litres per palm)

• Repeat after 15‑20 days if termite activity persists

For rhinoceros beetle breeding sites (manure pits):

• Mix 500g of Metarhizium powder with 50‑100 kg of FYM and place in manure pits where beetles breed

• This kills beetle grubs and reduces the next generation of adults

Important tips for Kannur coconut farmers:

• Metarhizium works best in moist soil – apply just before monsoon or irrigate after application

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

• Keep the basin weed‑free and well‑mulched to maintain moisture

• For severe root grub infestation, combine with light traps to capture adult beetles

Buy from Bactostore. We deliver fresh Metarhizium anisopliae – liquid or powder – to all Kannur coconut gardens.

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