The virus Rhabdionvirus oryctes Huger was tried against the root and stem borer of the cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Sri Lanka by pouring a virus suspension into the galleries, releasing virus-infected adults and placing virus-mixed sawdust at the base of the infested stem. Results obtained after several surveys showed that the sawdust technique gave more positive results. The establishment and infection of the virus in the beetle population accounted for a reduction in the beetle damage to the tree in certain pockets of the cashew plantation.
