Life History, Habits, and Control of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Puerto Rico offers a clear look at a serious palm pest and practical ways to protect young coconuts and other palms.
This study describes where the beetle is found, how it damages palms, and what has been learned about its life cycle. It also reviews results from field trials and suggests cultural methods that help reduce losses after storms and during new plantings.
- How long the beetle’s life stages last, from egg to adult, and how this affects the timing of control efforts.
- Where and how adults damage seedling and young palms, and how injury varies with palm age.
- Which natural enemies and predators have shown limited, uncertain, or potential effects in the field.
- Practical control ideas, including grove sanitation, fall planting, and varietal resistance testing.
Ideal for readers of agricultural extension materials, palm growers, and anyone seeking practical, science‑based strategies to protect coconut groves.