PASS-CR Scholars Shine at the July 2024 Coconut Pest Conference
Three Pacific Agriculture Scholarships, Support & Climate Resilience (PASS-CR) program scholars attended the 2024 Coconut Pest Conference held at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) this month. The conference, themed "Towards an Action Plan to Minimise the Impacts of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and Other Major Pests on Coconuts in the Pacific Islands," was an event dedicated to addressing critical pest management issues affecting coconut production in the region. The Vice Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University, Professor Transform Aqorau, officially opened the conference.
The PASS CR scholars were awarded scholarships from the Pacific Community, enabling their participation and contribution to this inaugural Coconut Pest Conference in the Pacific region.
Conference Objectives
Review Current Knowledge: To assess the latest information on the biology and control of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) and other major coconut pests in a global context.
Evaluate Current Research: To understand the successes and limitations of current research and control methods, guiding new research interventions.
Develop Improved Strategies: To devise enhanced research and biosecurity strategies to manage better and prevent economic outbreaks and new incursions of coconut pests.
Regional Action Plan: To use the insights gained from the conference to develop a regional action plan for improved management of major coconut pests in the Pacific Islands.
Expected Outputs
The conference aimed to establish collaborative research partnerships with funded activities for member countries involving graduate students. Additionally, it sought to develop a roadmap to guide impactful research and address coconut pest and disease challenges in the region.
PASS CR Scholars' Contributions
Mr Aleksio Rabaka presented his Masters research findings on the utility of Abrus precatorius to control the highly invasive white-footed ants, Technomyrmex spp., in Fiji. His study highlighted the potential of this plant-based solution in mitigating the ant problem affecting coconut groves. He shared, "I am grateful to ACIAR, through the PASS-CR program, for the financial assistance provided for this trip and to the Pacific Community (SPC), as my primary sponsor for this conference and this rare opportunity."
Ms Aradhana Deesh presented her Masters research on "Sustainable Solutions: Empowering Indigenous Natural Enemies to Combat the Coconut Stick Insect (Graeffea crouanii Le Guillou) in Fijian Coconut Groves." Her work emphasised the importance of utilising native biological control agents to manage pest populations sustainably. Her outstanding contribution was recognised as she won the 1st Prize for Best Paper Presentation in the Student Category.
Ms Luisa Wara presented her PhD research on "Understanding Socioeconomic Aspects of Coconut Agribusiness in Rural Areas in Fiji." Her findings provided valuable insights into the economic and social dynamics influencing coconut farming communities, highlighting the need for integrated pest management strategies considering local livelihoods.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
The conference served as a crucial platform for addressing various coconut production concerns. Through presentations, discussions, and collaborative efforts, participants worked towards developing a regional action plan to improve the management of major coconut pests in the Pacific Islands. The involvement of PASS-CR scholars in such a significant event underscores their key roles in advancing research and contributing to the sustainability of coconut agriculture in the region.
Acknowledgements
The conference received financial and technical support from several organisations, including the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Crawford Fund, COGENT, International Trade Centre, European Union and ACP ASEAN FAW Action Plan, and the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR).
The 2024 Coconut Pest Conference provided a platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas. It highlighted the critical role of research and collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges faced by the Pacific Islands' coconut industry. The contributions of PASS-CR scholars are a testament to the program's impact on fostering innovative solutions and empowering future leaders in agricultural research.