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

Your coconut palms are the pride of Kollam. But hidden beneath the soil, a silent enemy is at work – root grubs (white grubs). These are the larvae of scarab beetles. They feed on tender roots, causing yellowing fronds, wilting, and eventual palm death. Above ground, the rhinoceros beetle attacks the crown, boring into unopened fronds, causing characteristic V‑cuts and reducing nut yield. Termites also attack roots and stems.

Chemical soil drenches are expensive, harm earthworms, and often don’t reach the grubs deep in the soil.

Metarhizium anisopliae is the proven, organic solution.

What the research says: The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala, has extensively tested Metarhizium against the coconut rhinoceros beetle. The CPCRI strain of Metarhizium proved effective and controlled all stages of the beetle – grub, pupa and adults. In a KVK, Palakkad on‑farm trial, application of Metarhizium anisopliae resulted in 100% mycosis (infection) of O. rhinoceros grubs after three weeks. After six months, pest attack was reduced from 85% in untreated plots to just 10% in Metarhizium‑treated plots. The fungus was also found to be safe for earthworms in vermicompost pits. Extensive applied research has shown M. anisopliae is also promising for controlling white grubs, soil termites, and many other pests.

How to apply Metarhizium on coconut:

For root grubs and rhinoceros beetle grubs (soil application):

  • 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 a 1.5‑2 metre basin around the palm, 15‑20 cm from the trunk

  • Cover lightly with soil

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

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 in the breeding sites and reduces the next generation of adults

Why this works: The fungus stays in the soil for months and infects grubs when they come in contact. One application lasts for months.

Farmer testimonial:

“My coconut garden in Kollam had severe root grub infestation. After applying Bactostore Metarhizium powder with FYM in the basin twice a year, the grub damage stopped, and my palms recovered.” – Vijayan, Kollam.

Protect your coconut palms. Order Metarhizium today.

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

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