Virus Research Could Help Control Hawaii's Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Researchers at the University of Hawaii are studying a virus that could eradicate the destructive beetle pest.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa are investigating the use of a type of virus, called a nudivirus, to control and potentially eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) in Hawaii. Preliminary findings from trials on CRB larvae are promising, showing infection and death in the larvae. The nudivirus attacks the beetle's gut, reducing its appetite and ability to reproduce. While the research is still in early stages, scientists believe this could be a "big win" for Hawaii in the battle against the invasive CRB, which has been found on multiple islands.

Why it matters

The coconut rhinoceros beetle is a major pest that has been damaging palm trees and other vegetation across Hawaii. Finding an effective and environmentally-friendly way to control the beetle's population could help protect Hawaii's ecosystems and agricultural industries. The nudivirus research represents a potential breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to manage this invasive species.

The details

Researchers at the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAR) are currently running trials on CRB larvae using the nudivirus. Initial results show the virus is causing infection and death in the larvae. The nudivirus works by attacking the beetle's gut, reducing its appetite and ability to get proper nutrition. This in turn limits the beetle's ability to reproduce and grow its population. While more research is still needed, scientists are optimistic this could be an effective biocontrol method for managing CRB in Hawaii.

  • Preliminary data from the nudivirus research is expected by the end of 2026.
  • The nudivirus research is still in early stages and will require many rounds of approval before being used outside of a laboratory setting.

The players

University of Hawaii at Manoa

The public research university where researchers are studying the use of a nudivirus to control the coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii.

Keith Weiser

The UH CRB Response deputy incident commander overseeing the nudivirus research efforts.

Dr. Mike Melzer

A researcher with UH's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAR) leading the nudivirus research trials on coconut rhinoceros beetle larvae.

Meryln Ruddell

The coordinator for the CRB Action Kauai community-led group working to identify and treat new coconut rhinoceros beetle infestations.

Department of Land and Natural Resources

The Hawaii state agency that lists nudiviruses as an important family of viruses for biocontrol of the coconut rhinoceros beetle.

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What they’re saying

“People who are researching this knew that if you looked at enough strains in the wild, you could probably find one that is a match to the beetles in Hawaii.”

— Keith Weiser, UH CRB Response deputy incident commander (KHON2)

“They were getting infection and death in the larvae.”

— Keith Weiser, UH CRB Response deputy incident commander (KHON2)

“This is an early step, but it is looking positive.”

— Keith Weiser, UH CRB Response deputy incident commander (KHON2)

“And then they can't get as much nutrition, so they're not able to lay as many eggs, and so the populations just begin to drop.”

— Keith Weiser, UH CRB Response deputy incident commander (KHON2)

“Trying to make sure and really making sure that everything that we offer is fact and it's vetted.”

— Meryln Ruddell, CRB Action Kauai coordinator (KHON2)

What’s next

The nudivirus research is still in early stages and will require many rounds of approval before being used outside of a laboratory setting. Researchers will also need to conduct studies on the effects of the nudivirus on species other than the coconut rhinoceros beetle.

The takeaway

The promising nudivirus research represents a potential breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to control the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii. If successful, this biocontrol method could be a "big win" for the state in protecting its ecosystems and agricultural industries from the destructive pest.