Natural Occurrence of a Baculovirus Disease in Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) Population in Tamil Nadu

Grubs and adults of O. rhinoceros collected from coconut gardens in Poliachi taluk were subjected to visual and microscopical examination for detecting the natural incidence of baculovirus disease. The observations revealed the presence of disease in the midgut epithelial tissue of the host. The scope of utilising the natural incidence for biological control of this important pest in coconut is discussed.