Economic benefits to Papua New Guinea and Australia from the biological control of banana skipper (Erionota thrax)

Using the estimated production value of bananas in Papua New Guinea to the year 2020, the losses due to banana skipper each year were calculated. Using a discount rate of 5%, the net present value of lost production amounts to approximately A$301.8 million. The value of damage prevented by biological control is estimated at $201.6 million. The reduction of banana skipper abundance by 90% in southern Papua New Guinea has also reduced the chance of adults invading Australia.