Campaign against beetle in full throttle

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) is progressing with the fight against the invasive Rhinoceros beetle.

The beetle, after being introduced into the country some years ago, has been a high destructive force in the copra industry, reportedly invading coconut plantations and damaging coconuts plants.

And, as part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s strategy in fighting the pest, it engaged in countering the pest using biological means.

MAL brought in what’s known as pheromones, which chemicals which are used by insects to attract partners.

These pheromones are stored in aggregates or traps which are then set up to lure adult beetles and trap them.

Permanent Secretary of MAL, Mr Jimi Saelea said that work is still ongoing highlighting that they are progressing.

He said recently Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nation (FAO) provided two scientists to support work on identifying areas to deal with the species.

Mr Saelea said the scientists will conduct their work in the laboratory to identify the best approach in combating the pest.

He said the work will result in the remedy to deal with eliminating the beetle.

Mr Saelea said that soon the work will produce an effective measure to deal with beetles in Guadalcanal.

On the same note he also called on everyone around the island of Guadalcanal to continue with the hygiene approach as the biological work is still going on.

Mr Saelea said people need to look out for their breeding sites and destroy them.