Biological pest control is outlined in Boustead Plantations Berhad’s (BPB) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system as one of the sustainable approaches in managing pest in our plantations. It is a method use that does not pose any threat to the environment and human health by using living organisms to control pests. Uncontrolled growth of pests threatens the operation of our estate, which in turn causes great loss to yield.

The infographic describes the method use in BPB plantations:

1. Leaf eating insects

Leaf eating insects causes damage to palm trees by chewing leaf tissue, leaving the palms defoliate and in turn reduce photosynthesis capability. Beneficial plants that act as feeding and breeding ground for predator and parasitoid species are introduced as biological control against leaf eating insects.

• Rat

Rats are one of the main pests in plantation, causing major damage to the mature and immature palms and subsequently to the yield. Barn owl is the natural predator to control rat infestation.

• Rhinoceros Beetle

Adult beetles attack the softer part of the palm and chewing on cabbage tissue, causing serious damage to palms’ root. Pheromone traps are erected to lure adult male beetles. The population is also controlled by manually collecting the adult beetle.