Coconut rhinoceros beetle mites8/19/2023 A very severe out break of this caterpillar was recorded in 20 in East Godavari, West Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts and by release of bio agents Bracon hebetor and Goniozus nephantidis (7.00 lakhs), the pest was successfully managed.A total number of 62.21 lakh prasitoids were supplied during the last 10 years and an area of 10,678 ha of coconut black headed caterpillar affected gardens were covered (2013-14). This pest was successfully managed through biological control. Regular incidence of coconut black headed caterpillar Opisina arenosella was observed in coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.When palms are severely damaged, the attacked leaves droop, bunches buckle and the immature nuts shed heavily.Ĭoconut black headed affected coconut gardensĬoconut black headed caterpillar larva and its damage on nuts under outbreaks In severe cases the whole plantation presents a burnt appearance due to the drying of leaves/leaflets with only the upper epidermis intact or in cases of old infestation leaves remain with midrib of the leaflet only. Dried up patches appearing on the upper epidermis of leaves and presence of larval galleries and pupal cases on the lower surface of the leaves are the major symptoms of infestation. The caterpillar lives on the lower surface of leaflets in galleries made of excreta and silken web and feeds on the chlorophyll containing parenchymatous tissues. “ Hawaii Grown” is funded in part by grants from the Stupski Foundation, Ulupono Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Frost Family Foundation.Insect Pest Management Coconut I. “The areas where we have the highest population of the beetle essentially aligns with where we haven’t been able to engage the community,” he said. The level of awareness and consciousness within the community – including knowledge of how to avoid creating nesting sites and ensuring swift reporting of cases – was a model for the rest of Oahu to follow, Oishi said The most successful example of control, often cited by invasive species specialists, is how the military community responded after CRB was first discovered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. In the meantime, Oishi underscored the importance of community vigilance, including being careful with compost and reporting sightings of the critters. Oishi has estimated the price tag for much-needed infrastructure and research is $5 million. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023)īut lawmakers are now considering House Bill 1149, which would provide a hike in core funding for the program, along with more than 10 positions dedicated to controlling the insects. Traps have been set all over Oahu by the University of Hawaii and the Department of Agriculture. The diminutive trees could be a way to easier manage the persistent threat of the coconut rhinoceros beetle, but also raise the question of whether Hawaii is willing to invest in actually eradicating the invader. But having a low stature of tree, where you can get to the crown, it’s much easier than having a tall tree where you can’t see what’s going on,” Shepard said. That is unless something like the beetle comes along with the potential to decimate his crop. “They’re pretty much pest resistant and the coconuts can turn brown, fall off and sit there for months and then you put in mulch and let it sprout,” Shepard said in an interview. They require far less work than their taller counterparts and demand for them is increasing. He sells them by the pallet - 700 sprouted nuts were sent to Mahi Pono on Maui. When mature, each of his 350 trees can produce 250 nuts per year, which Shepard sprouts and sells around the island chain. One such farmer is Griffin Shepard, who runs Aloha Organics dwarf coconut tree farm on Kauai’s northwest coast. (David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023) Think Small And Prosperįarmers across the islands are keeping a close watch on Oahu’s beetle problem and potential solutions. Aloha Organics Dwarf Coconut Tree Farm has three varieties of low-bearing coconut trees, which it sells its sprouted seeds from.
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