ACIAR pledges AUD 2 million to tackle rhinoceros beetle threat
The Pacific Community (SPC) hosted an important international workshop to address the impact of a new type of rhinoceros beetle invading the region. Dubbed the ‘Palm Killer’, this beetle is wreaking havoc on coconut palms and has proven highly resistant…
A new biotype of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle discovered in the Pacific
An imminent threat to Pacific livelihoods and economies reliant on coconuts; oil palm and other palm species, has been identified. A new biotype of Coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), Oryctes rhinoceros was first discovered in Guam in 2007.
This biotype…
Establishing seeds as the key element in climate-smart responses to food security
In a world of plenty, climate-smart seed is conspicuously scarce
Pacific Community highlights soil health as key issue for Small Island Developing States
21 March 2017, Rome Italy - FAO Director-General Jose' Graziano da Silva meeting with His Excellency Jioji Konousi Konrote, President of the Republic of Fiji. Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon (GSOC17) Co-organized by FAO, GSP/ITPS, IPCC, UNCCD/SPI…
Curbing the coconut rhinoceros beetle in the Pacific
The Pacific Community (SPC) is taking proactive measures to assist Samoa and other Pacific Island countries and territories in their efforts to curb any resurgence of the coconut rhinoceros beetle.
SPC, with support from AgResearch New Zealand, has…
Pioneering soil research for the Pacific
Pioneering scientific research to examine the value of organic farming over chemical agriculture for good soil health and climate resilience in the Pacific region will start in May.
Termed the ‘soil health trials’, the research will actively engage…