Report of the Expert Consultation on Coconut Beetle

<p>An account of the consultation held at the FAO regional office in Bangkok from 26 to 27 October 2004, attended by 17 representatives from 11 countries to exchange experiences and lessons learned among member countries of the Asia-Pacific Plant Protection Commission (APPPC) that are facing or may face coconut beetle outbreaks. Brontispa longissima is one of the most damaging pests of coconut in Asia and the Pacific and has spread to new areas in the region at a rapid pace. The beetle can cause significant production losses, and high infestation levels may result in tree death. The traditional pest management approach based on insecticide use has not been able to stop the spread and the damage continues unabated. Experiences from countries in the Pacific demonstrate that the insect can be quickly, effectively and sustainably contained using classical biological control. This publication brings together the papers and presentations of the consultation as well as recommendations for common strategies to contain the pest.</p>