The efficacy of single and double tank thermal fogging tool of Bacillus thuringiensis application in oil palm

Abstract

Abstract Many oil palm planters argue that the application of Bacillus thuringiensis through fogging can only be conducted using double-tank fogging equipment. It was believed that the use of single-tank fogging will be resulting in low efficacy. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of single and double-tank fogging machines trial of B. thuringiensis against Mahasena corbetti in oil palm plantations. Two doses of application, i.e., 0.5 L/ha and 1 L/ha, were tested using each fogging machine. A plot of mock fogging application was used as a control treatment. The result showed that B. thuringiensis have high efficacy against M. corbetti. More than 90% of larvae mortality was observed at 14 day s after application via a single-tank and a double-tank fogging machine. This result suggests that a single-tank fogging machine could be used for B. thuringiensis application without reducing its efficacy against target pests.