Application of the local entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria Bassiana Vuill against larvae Oryctes rhinoceros L. in immature oil palm plants in Sei Siasam, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia

The decline in oil palm production can be caused by pest attacks. The main pest that attacks oil palm is the horn beetle. Control is usually done by using chemical pesticides. The use of chemical pesticides can cause resistance, resurgence, destruction of natural enemies, and environmental pollution. The use of chemical insecticides can be minimized by using environmentally friendly and sustainable control alternatives, namely by using the local entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. This study aimed to obtain the best dose of local B. bassiana Vuill in controlling O. rhinoceros larvae in immature oil palm plantations in Sei Siasam, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province. The study was carried out in Sei Siasam, Rokan Hulu Regency and the Plant Pest Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Riau. Completely Randomized Design with five treatments doses of local entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana 30 g/hole, 35 g/hole, 40 g/hole, 45 g/hole, 50 g/hole and four replications, in order to get 20 experimental units. The results showed that the application of local Riau B. bassiana at a dose of 40 g/hole was the best dose capable of causing death of 72.5%. Early death 77 hours after application and Lethal time 50 180.75 hours after application.