Insect pests of coconuts in the Pacific Region

Abstract

A significant advance in the control of rhinoceros beetle has been achieved by the use of a chemical attractant and virus infection. Premature nutfall, due to the bug Amblypelta cocophaga, has been effectively reduced by replacing ground-nesting ants by tree-nesting ants, which are also inimical to another bug pest, Axiagastus. Biological control of coconut leaf beetle by the parasite Tetra-stichus brontispae is recommended except on young palms where it can be controlled chemically.