InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – The role of Elaeidobius beetles in the pollination of oil palm has been instrumental, yet environmental challenges are now impacting their effectiveness. Tjut Ahmad Perdana Rozziansha, Head of the Plant Protection Research Group at the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (PPKS), shared insights on the critical role of these beetles in oil palm pollination. Although pollination can occur through wind (anemophily), insects (entomophily) play a more significant role. Among various insect species, Elaeidobius beetles—including Elaeidobius kamerunicus, E. subvittatus, and E. plagiatus—are the key pollinators.
Elaeidobius beetles aid in pollination by transporting pollen. Pollen adheres to their bodies as they feed on male flowers. In the morning, female oil palm flowers emit a scent that attracts these beetles, guiding them to the female flowers where they unintentionally deposit pollen, leading to successful pollination.
However, field conditions have introduced obstacles. E. kamerunicus is most active in the early morning, from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Rain during these hours, though, reduces their activity, potentially disrupting the pollination process. To address this, Ahmad Perdana and his team plan to reintroduce E. kamerunicus into Indonesia, aiming to improve the genetic quality of beetles after more than a thousand generations of reproduction. Additionally, they are exploring the introduction of new Elaeidobius species to support pollination during rainy seasons, offsetting E. kamerunicus’ limitations.
“The introduction of new pollinating beetle species and the reintroduction of E. kamerunicus are expected to enhance productivity and improve the beetles' behavior,” Ahmad Perdana stated to InfoSAWIT. This initiative aims to recreate an ecosystem closer to the oil palm’s natural environment in Africa, potentially boosting yield and ecological balance.
For a more detailed report, see InfoSAWIT Magazine’s September 2024 edition.
