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: | https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/9441 |
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