The Incidence of Rhinoceros Beetle Outbreak in Public Coconut Plantation in Tanjung Simpang Village, Indragiri Hilir, Riau Province

Abstract

: Indragiri Hilir is a Regency in Riau Province where about 70% of its population depend on coconut plantation. In 2018, a devastating outbreak of a coconut pest, Oryctes rhinoceros has been reported from several locations. The pest explosion in Tanjung Simpang Village, Pelangiran sub-district, has aroused conflict between coconut palm farmers and the oil palm plantation company in the area regarding the source of the pest infestation. An independent scientific investigation was conducted to address the problem. Steps carried out including survey, interview, field investigation, and trapping. Survey was carried out to determine the center of infestation by evaluating damage intensity through interview and field assessment by direct visual evaluation and with the aid of drone. Spotting of breeding site was done in the vicinity of plant infested area. Digging and delving breeding sites were done to assess the beetle and its larvae. Trapping using pheromone trap was intended to evaluate the beetle distribution. Interview was perfomed both to the coconut farmers and and the company staff to investigate the infestation chronology and activities in the oil palm plantation. The findings indicated through the research were then revealed to the both parties and also to the authority as elucidated in this paper.