The expert consultation was held in Bangkok from 26 to 27 October 2004 under the auspices of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. It was attended by 17 representatives from 11 countries, namely Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam. An international consultant from Fiji joined FAO technical officers to facilitate the expert consultation.
In his address to the participants of the expert consultation, He Changchui, the Assistant Director-General (ADG) and Regional Representative of FAO, reminded participants that in the past classical biological control of coconut pests were successful and, indeed, this ecologically sound approach to pest management is particularly important as FAO has designated 2004 as the Year of Biodiversity for Food Security.
Mr Liebregts described the achievements to date with classical biological control of Brontispa longissima. In some countries, the use of chemical insecticides was initiated but did not stop the outbreaks and the problem continued to spread. However, experiences in Viet Nam and the Maldives have shown that biological control works. The Viet Nam project has shown a return on investment of US$3 000 for every dollar invested in biological control.
Mr Ooi discussed the need to educate coconut farmers about Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Two examples of managing coconut pests were described and the need for developing a strong base for biological control was recommended. The outbreaks of B. longissima should help national programmes commit investment in developing capacity to face the challenges of managing invasive species.
B. longissima is reported in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Maldives, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Philippines and possibly some other Pacific Island countries are threatened. Indonesia is the centre of origin and will be a valuable source of additional natural enemies.
The participants discussed guidelines for introduction of beneficial organisms and also endorsed a set of recommendations that focused on:
developing a regional programme to build national capacity to tackle invasive species;
enhancing synergy of cooperation and catalysing sustainable use of natural resources through a regional programme;
individual countries continuing to enhance their capacity to conduct classical biological control and cooperate with neighbouring countries;
guidelines for safe and responsible introduction, production and release of biological control agents.
Participants visited the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Thailand to witness the rearing of parasitoids of B. longissima.
