THE POTENTIAL OF BLACK ANT (Dolichoderus sp.) AS A BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS OF THE COCONUT LEAF BEETLE (Brontispa longissima)

Abstract

The study of coconut leaf beetle infestation, Brontispa
longissima on palms and the effectiveness of biological agents
as a method of control have been carried out in the laboratory.
The study involves the effectiveness of potential black ants as
biological agents in controlling beetle populations. The results
of laboratory studies on the ability of black ant predation on the
B. longissima found that the percentage of mean beetle are eaten
by the group that has the number 100 black ants were higher
and significantly different (P <0.05) as compared to group
numbers 5, 20, 50 and 75 black ants. In addition, black ants also
tend to attack and devour the B. longissima larvae and pupa
stage compared to adult’s beetle via laboratory studies. It can be
concluded that the B. longissima beetle has a great potential for

causing considerable damage to the coconut tree which could
affect coconut palm industry in Malaysia. However, the usage
of biological agents as a control method had shown promising
results in order to control the beetle infestation in coconut palm
areas.