The Taro Beetle Management component established as one of the seven components of the Pest Management in the Pacific (PMP) project within an integrated SPC-Plant Protection Service commenced on 1 January 2002 for a duration of 4 years. PMP is one of the two major projects of SPC-Plant Protection Service funded jointly by Australia (AusAID and ACIAR) and New Zealand (NZAID). The other being Plant Protection in the Pacific (PPP), funded by European Union (EU) that also commenced on 1 January 2002 for 4 years.

Participants at the meeting reported Taro Beetle is still ranked one of the top 2 pests. It reportedly attacks 15 different plants and poses major constraint to taro production in the Pacific.

SPC as the implementing agency will be responsible for press releases to inform the participating countries of the project and the activities carried out. SPC will also be responsible for Public Awareness campaign targeting sanitation and quarantine. All PICTS will be part of the SPC media campaign. The TBM team will place emphasis on the need for annual work plans and the technical activities to meet the time frame so as to adhere to the project document

The Taro beetle Management (TBM) component has been fully implemented in PNG and Fiji Islands. The initial Metarhizium work was carried out in 2002 in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, while evaluation of possible chemical control measures was continued in Fiji. Results from activities in both countries will be transferred to PICTS by SPC-PPS Extension.

The technical progress in 2002 was reviewed at the Second TBM Technical Meeting in Lae, PNG. December 2002 attended by representatives from the taro beetle infested countries: PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati. New Caledonia was not able to attend.

2002 field progress is as follows:

3 field trials on 4 rates of M.a. TB101 is underway in PNG;
first trial planted at Navua, a beetle infested area in Fiji, in August and at Lovoni on Ovalau, Fiji in November.
Treatments have been applied and the trials are being well maintained;
Destructive sampling will start 1-3 months towards the end of the trials in March 2004;
Taro samples will be sent for residue analysis at harvest.

Sodium meta bisulphate is now used to sterilize culturing media, use of rice, as the culture media is a low cost production for the Metarhizium. This method of Ma production is promising, however, this needs to be evaluated further before the technology is transferred to farmers. Use of rice as the culture media rates better than other products and readily available in the region and also relatively cheaper. Storage of Ma needs to be studied so the shelf life of spores can be extended.

Year 2 (01/01/2003-31/12/2003)
Sodium metabisulphate is now used to sterilise culturing media, and rice has been found to be a suitable substrate for the low-cost production of Metarhizium (Ma). This method of Ma production is promising but this needs to be evaluated further before the technology is transferred to farmers. Storage of Ma also needs to be studied so the shelf life of spores can be extended.
The technical progress in 2002 and 2003 was reviewed at the 3rd Taro Beetle Management Technical Coordinators Meeting (May 2003) and at the 4th Taro Beetle Technical Committee Meeting (November 2003) in Fiji. The following progress was noted: three field trials were planted in PNG to select appropriate doses of Metarhizium for application; six field trials were planted in Fiji.

The Taro Beetle Management programme commenced on 1 January 2002 (actual date of start about June 2002) for duration of 4 years as a component of SPC Pest Management in the Pacific (PMP) programme. PMP is one of the two major projects of SPC-Plant Protection Service. PMP is funded jointly by Australia (AusAID and ACIAR) and New Zealand (NZAID). The other project is Plant Protection in the Pacific (PPP), funded by European Union (EU). PPP commenced on 1 January 2002 for 4 years. Additional Taro beetle activities outside PNG and Fiji are funded by EU-PPP.

SPC as the implementing agency will be responsible for communications and press releases to keep participating countries informed about progresses and achievements. SPC will also be responsible for Public Awareness campaign targeting sanitation and quarantine. All PICTS will be part of the SPC media campaign. The TBM team places emphasis on the need for annual work plans and the technical activities to meet the time frame of the approved TBM project design.

Sodium meta bisulphate is now used to sterilise culturing media, the use of rice as the culture media reduces the cost of production for Metarhizium. This method of Ma production is promising for community use. However, this needs to be evaluated further before the technology is transferred to farmers. Use of rice as the culture media rates better than other products and is readily available in the region. Storage of Ma needs to be studied so the shelf-life of spores can be extended. Formation aspects of Ma may also help in storage, application and its overall effectiveness.

The technical progress in 2004 was reviewed at the 5th Taro Beetle Management Technical Coordinators Meeting in November in Fiji.

2004 progress is as follows:
PNG:
1. Metarhizium Anisopliae
Ma Field Trial 2 (Keravat) - this was repeat of trial 1 (reported in 2003) using same design. 3 dosages of Ma tested against standard rate of Chlorpyrifos and untreated control. Ma and Chlorpyrifos failed to give any significant control of the beetle. This further indicates Ma's limitations of Ma as a single application.

2. Ring Test
Two strains of Ma FI-1452 (the standard) and FI-1472 (collected from the Highlands) tested to check on the rate of decline of Ma conidia in the top soil at Keravat over a 1 year period. So far FI-1472 seems to deteriorate faster. The experiment continues.

3. On Farm Adaptive Work
Three target groups have been identified for On Farm Work to determine this. They are: Back Yard Gardens, Smallholder Farms and Institutions. This work continues in 2005.

4. Ma / Breeding Sites(and Continuous Application in Successive Taro Cultivations)
Ma in single application is not effective, therefore, placing it in an artificial breeding site in taro plantations may reduce the beetle population over a period of time.

5. Bio Assay Experiment
a) Two strains of Ma (FI-1452 [Standard TB 101) and FI-1472 (Highland strain)] were tested on two beetle species P. Woodlarkiana and P. huebneri
b) The results showed that both Ma strains killed both sexes of both species of Taro Beetle. FI- 1452 was better on P. huebneri at a lower rate but not on P. woodlarkiana.

6. Ma Mass production
a) The developed protocol has been followed with successful Ma cultures now produced without difficulty.
b) Chemical sterilization - some success has been achieved and the technique should soon be mastered.
c) Ma Culture Maintenance - both strains of Ma are maintained in culture at Keravat and Bubia and re-cultured on a monthly basis to retain their virulence

7. Baculovirus Oryctes
a) This experiment to determine the pathogenicity of the virus was conducted but DNA in the Beetle specimens could not be detected due to an improper preservation method. A simplified form of the original experiment will be conducted early next year to first establish that virus transmission and lethal infection of Taro beetles is possible.

8. Insecticides
a) Bifenthrin Insecticide Trial - a trial; has been set up to test dosage rates. The trial will be finally harvested in March 2005.
b) Ma, Confidor and Bifenthrin Progressive Harvest Trial - trial planted and progressively harvested at 1, 3, 5 and 7 months. Final harvest in March 2005.

FIJI:
1. Comparison of two rates of Ma with chemical Suscon Indigo
a) The trial was harvested in March. Beetle infestation was low, therefore, difficult in detection of the effect of the treatments. There was no significant difference in reduction of the beetle population by either of the treatments.

2. Evaluation of possible synergistic interactions between different dosage of Confidor insecticide and Ma
a) Again the beetle infestation was low to indicate difference between treatments

3. Evaluation of dosages and frequency of applications of Confidor
a) All four dosages of Confidor (1ml/L, 3mls/L, 5mls/L and 7mls/L) applying at 125mls of mixture per plant at planting gave good control of the beetle.
b) The best result was obtained when 1ml/L was applied twice or 5mls/L applied only at planting.

4. Ma Pot Trials
a) The trial is in progress to check on infectivity of Ma

5. Mass Production of Ma
a) Start has been made and a small quantity of Ma was produced in the laboratory at Koronivia.

6. Taro Beetle Awareness Campaign Meeting
In wake of the beetle spread to Buca, awareness campaign was mounted on Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

The Taro Beetle Management programme commenced on 1 January 2002 (actual date of start about June 2002) for duration of 4 years as a component of SPC Pest Management in the Pacific (PMP) programme. PMP is one of the two major projects of SPC-Plant Protection Service. PMP is funded jointly by Australia (AusAID and ACIAR) and New Zealand (NZAID). The other project is Plant Protection in the Pacific (PPP), funded by European Union (EU). PPP commenced on 1 January 2002 for 4 years. Additional Taro beetle activities outside PNG and Fiji are funded by EU-PPP.

2005 was the final year of the 4 year project. All activities as planned were carried out smoothly. The project end review was done in June which came up with recommendations as follows:

Recommendation 1. This project should be continued into a second phase centred on participatory adaptive research with the objective of integrating the results of the applied research of phase 1 into sustainable farming systems management practices. Progress should be monitored by impact assessments at the start and end of this phase.

Note: it is suggested that the private sector is integrated into a planning process at an early stage (to share ownership) so that the supply of materials to retails outlets is not a limiting factor and to arouse interest in the commercial production of Ma.

Recommendation 2. Whilst insecticides from two groups have proved effective, it is suggested that provision is made in a second phase to permit screening of materials from other groups of insecticides (e.g. organophosphate and carbamate) to ensure that an effective resistance management/prevention programme can be formulated.
The current project has indicated that there are two areas of basic research that will, if successful, enhance the outcome of a second phase. Many scarabaeidae beetles emit potent sex attractant pheromones. They can be applied for monitoring, and lure and kill operations. The latter is of relevance to the needs of atoll and small island communities because they will make it possible to reduce beetle populations without risking the contamination of groundwater as result of applying insecticides to the soil.

Recommendation 3. ACIAR should support a programme to identify the sex attractant pheromone in male (possibly, re Scapanes australis) or female beetles and to include the application of this technology as a component of the second phase of the project. This could be considered initially as a separate sub-component, supported in advance of other work.

'Taro beetle' is a complex of two genera and probably more than 10 species. The main species are identifiable by conventional methods, but are extensive in distribution through an unknown number of island habitats. It is possible that isolation has resulted in intraspecific variation. Response to interventions is known to differ between species. There is concern that assumptions about the transferability of technology, especially those concerning Ma, may not be valid because of a mismatch between host and disease. DNA analysis technology is available and relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of initiating abortive control programmes on offshore islands. This technique can be based on DNA from museum specimens and/or newly collected material.

Recommendation 4. The project extension includes a component in which speciation and intraspecific separation among taro beetle genera is examined by DNA analysis (fingerprinting).

It is anticipated that the project will generate technology suitable for uptake by extension programmes in a relatively short time, so that the project should engage with development agencies well before a phase 2 is complete. (NB AusAid supports the Agricultural Innovation Grant Facility in PNG, and IFAD is a suitable agency to be approached to support a development program in the Pacific community.)

Recommendation 5. Project managers are to initiate the step up process during a second phase.

Recommendation 6. Whilst some extension material has been prepared for farmers it is suggested that the approach and media adopted for technology transfer is considered carefully and that consideration should be given to an engaging a specialist agency for this purpose.

Recommendation 7. In the proposed phase 2, time should be allocated for the preparation of formal publications of the science in professional journals
The technical progress in 2004 was reviewed at the 5th Taro Beetle Management Technical Coordinators Meeting in November in Fiji.

2005 progress was as follows:

PNG:
12 major activities
6 on station field trials
6 on-farm trials
2 supporting activities
Laboratory trials:
o Ma fungus low tech production
o Ma fungus bio-assay with Ma x confidor in synergy
Outcomes
Ma fungus can be produced, maintained and mass reared in PNG
Ma alone is not an effective control measure against taro beetle damage
Ma x confidor (1ml/L) gives very good control of beetles in both lab and field situation.
Artificial breeding sites were successful in attracting the beetles to breed and rotten saw dust + cow dung and sawdust were the best attractants.
Artificial breeding sites + Ma & confidor in synergy may have a strategic use in atoll situation.
Advanced field experiments on confidor and Bifenthrin insecticides revealed the following:
o Confidor and Bifenthrin applied twice gave excellent beetle control and export taro quality and quantity
o Bifenthrin double application has no detectable residues in taro corm
o Confidor has trace in taro corm in high dose (7mls/L) applied twice which is double the optimum dose (3mls/L) for confidor currently in evaluation.
Farmer surveys confirmed taro beetle is the most serious constraint to taro production followed by soil fertility and disease (leaf blight and pithium).
On-farm outreach liaison work/trials confirmed keen interest shown by farmers to adopt the new innovation or package.

FIJI:
9 major activities
1 Ma/confidor synergy trial
1 advanced confidor rate and frequency evaluation trial
7 confidor multi-location trials
2 supporting trials
Ma bio-assay - Ma rates vs mortality
Residue analysis potted taro plants treated with confidor at different rates (1, 3, 5 & 7 mls/L) applied once vs twice.

Outcomes - repeat of trials in Fiji has also shown that Ma on its own cannot control the taro beetle. Insecticides Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin gave very good control of the beetle.

The Taro Beetle Management programme commenced on 1 January 2002 (actual date of start about June 2002) for duration of 4 years as a component of SPC Pest Management in the Pacific (PMP) programme. PMP is one of the two major projects of SPC-Plant Protection Service. PMP is funded jointly by Australia (AusAID and ACIAR) and New Zealand (NZAID). The other project is Plant Protection in the Pacific (PPP), funded by European Union (EU). PPP commenced on 1 January 2002 for 4 years. Additional Taro beetle activities outside PNG and Fiji are funded by EU-PPP'.

The first phase of the project ended in 2005. The end-of-project review recommended a two year extension to complete the following activities

Conduct participatory adaptive research with the objective of integrating the results of the applied research of phase 1 into sustainable farming systems management practices.
Complete unfinished studies on taro beetle management, and on the intricacies of the recommended insecticides, insecticide/biocontrol synergy work, etc.

All activities as planned for 2006 were carried out smoothly. The highlight of the project activities was the official launching of the control recommendations in Fiji and Vanuatu. PNG launching which was suppose to be done in October was postponed to early 2007.

The main activities conducted in 2006 are listed below.

Activities in PNG:

trial: fertilizer trial (Keravat), objective: determine fertilizer rate for taro in the taro growing areas in PNG;
trial: synergy trial (Keravat), objective: determine the synergy effect between Ma & Imidacloprid insecticides (Mustang & confidor);
trial: on- farm trial (backyard) Keravat, objective: evaluate recommended insecticides under different environmental conditions;
trial: backyard trials (Institutions in Keravat and surrounding areas), objective: demonstrate taro beetle control practices at these institutions.

All the trials have been harvested. The data has been sent to biometrician for analysis and interpretations of the results.

Activities in FIJI:

Four sites (Navua, Naitasiri, Tailevu and Ovalau) were selected for the demonstration of control measures.
The team conducted TBM FFS - 3 sessions at each site (at planting, 2nd application of treatments & at harvest).
At Navua the TBM control recommendations were launched in July. The launching was done conjointly by the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture and SPC.
The team planted and harvested 4 TBM trials (planting method verification - Navua & Waibau; Ma/confidor synergy - Sote & chemical residue analysis in Fiji - KRS farm.
Three observational plots in Fiji (Lobau, Baulevu & Waibau) were established for assessing confidor & bifenthrin.

All activities were carried out without any major problem. The field demonstrations were carried very successfully with good turn outs of the taro farmers in each locality. The launching was a very successful event of the year where over 500 farmers, industry people, representatives of diplomatic missions and government people attended. All major media gave good coverage of the launching. It generated a lot of enthusiasm among the taro growers, particularly over various measures implemented to control taro beetle.