Coconuts are one of the big four agriculture commodities in PNG exports. However, in less than a decade, a destructive beetle is about to decimate coconut palms. The rhinoceros beetle has been on the radar of the PNG NAQIA for a decade now because of its destructive behavior, especially in targeting coconut trees and other fruit bearing palm trees.
Copra is a multi-million-kina business. Many lives in PNG are built around coconut trees. The beetle causes damage by boring into the plant's stem and feeding on the sap, damaging the developing leaves. The plant will then become defoliated and die during a heavy infestation.
The South Pacific Community is working closely with government agencies to find ways to mitigate the spread of the pest. It warns of the rhinoceros beetle Guam strain (CRB-G), that has the potential to wipe out copra plantations.
Source: postcourier.com.pg