Baculovirus rhinoceros

July 2000. Supplies of Baculovirus rhinoceros are often being requested on PestNet (this time from Fiji). They are available from several labs, one of which is Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand Ltd.

The cultures are pure and, therefore, safe to handle. The virus is sold in small vials containing about 1 ml which is enough to treat approximately 20 adult beetles with a micropipette to the mouthparts.

A few wild-collected adults need to be treated and then released back into the area. Once the virus has been released, then plantation hygiene is needed to keep the populations down.

Supplies can also be obtained from MAF, Tonga and information is available on suppliers through SPC – Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Fiji.