Throw sand into the axil of the leaves to control coconut beetle.

 Throw sand into the axil of the leaves to control  coconut beetle.

Dr Abe V Rotor

Have you noticed that coconut trees growing along or close to sandy shores are seldom attacked by coconut beetle? By the way this insect, Oryctes rhinoceros, is a scourge of coconut, the larva and adult burrow into the bud and destroy the whole top or crown of the tree. Because of this observation, farmers broadcast sand into the leaf axils of coconut trees in their early development stage until they have grown too tall to be reached. 

 

Oryctes rhinoceros beetle; holes at the leaf axils made by the coconut beetle 

There is scientific explanation to this practice. Sand which is silica, the raw material in making glass is very sharp. Under the microscope each particle is a glass shard which can penetrate without difficulty the conjunctiva of the insect's armor. This is its "Achilles heel," so to speak.

As the insect moves, the silica penetrates into the delicate tissues of the insect. As a result its injury leads to dehydration and infection, and death.

If you have young coconuts growing at home and you find signs of the pest, scoop some sand and sprinkle it in between the leaf stalks - or axils. This is safer than using chemical insecticide. And you practically spend nothing at all. ~

Life cycle of the coconut beetle

 

                           Acknowledgement: Internet photos