A field evaluation of a number of insecticides against Tirathaba rufivena was undertaken in a mature oil palm plantation at Teluk Intan between April and October 1988 over an area of 6.5 hectares.
The insecticides evaluated were endosulfan, diflubenzuron, cyfluthrin and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Thuricide). The insecticides were applied three times at fortnightly intervals. Experimental controls were set up a) with no chemical treatment and b) using a cultural practice to maintain good sanitation.
The effects of treatments on the infestation of bunches and the larval density of the bunch moth were evaluated. Bacillus thuringiensis, cyfluthrin and diflubenzuron were more effective than endosulfan in the control of bunch moth. The cheapest treatment was B. thuringiensis, followed by cylfluthrin. The cost of using diflubenzuron was 2.5 times more than that of B. thuringiensis. Although cultural control could not be proven effective, it brought about some reduction in pest population and bunch damage and would also be expected to improve the efficiency of spraying insecticides.