Distribution of coconut stick insect, Graeffea crouanii and its parasitoids in selected islands of Fiji

Deesh, A.D. and Swamy, B.N. and Khan, Mohammad G.M. (2013) Distribution of coconut stick insect, Graeffea crouanii and its parasitoids in selected islands of Fiji. Fiji Agricultural Journal, 53 (1). pp. 18-24. ISSN 0015-0886

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Abstract

The Coconut stick insect, Graeffea crouanii (Le Guillou)(Orthoptera: Phasmidae), known as “mimimata” in Fiji, is a widespread economic pest of coconut palms in Fiji and in many Pacific Island countries. The nymphs and adults stages of pest are polyphagous, but prefer coconut palms.This paper reveals findings from the surveys conducted between 2009 and 2012 during the field work in selected islands of Fiji, and discusses needed research to enhance natural-mortality control mechanisms. Preliminary studies of G. crouanii in selected islands of Fiji (Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni) showed that the pest was localised and abundant in areas with low temperature, which was also statistically proven.The pest was found to be feeding on leaves with damage starting from tip and ends up leaving only the midribs. The older fronds had more damage than new frond due to longest pest exposure. The two elasmid egg parasitoids in Fiji, Paranastatus verticalis and Paranastatus nigriscutellatus of order Hymenoptera have potential as a biological control agent. This study on the G. crouanii in Fiji provides significant recommendations for further management of G. crouanii in coconut farms.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Computing, Information and Mathematical Sciences
Depositing User:	Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited:	01 Nov 2016 04:42
Last Modified:	15 Mar 2017 21:56
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/9441

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