Role of Elaeidobius kamerunicus as an Economic Arthropod Pollinator in Oil Palm Cultivation: A Review
Keywords:
Elaeidobius kamerunicus, Oil Palm, Economic Pollinator, Pollinator Efficiency, Population DensityAbstract
Demand for oil palm is anticipated to rise due to it uses globally. Factor responsible for an increase in production per unit area should be address to meet this demand. Research on the fundamental factors affecting decrease in oil palm fruit set and palm oil yields is alarming by prevailing declines in oil palm fruit set, palm oil yields and the oil yield gap. Since 1980s the oil palm pollinator Elaeidobius kamerunicus has been widely known as the most primary effective pollinator. It is positively related to Elaeis guineensis with fluctuating degree of merits and a high acceptability level of oil palm fruit set with high oil yield returns, signifying efficient pollination as a result of adequate kamerunicus weevil population. However, in recent times, researchers have reported decline in its proficiency as the main pollinator.
It has further been questioned if the existing populations of these weevils are sufficient to maintain excellent fruit set for better productivity. Research has proven a decline in the population of this pollinator, especially the male kamerunicus. High rainfall and temperature, application of chemicals and natural enemies could be the main reasons for decline in the Elaeidobius kamerunicus population. It could be suggested that further research be done in addressing the decline in Elaeidobius kamerunicus population.
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