A species of palm-loving coconut rhinoceros beetle may threaten home gardens, plantations and biodiversity in Australia as biological controls fail.
Over the past few years, the pest has spread through Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, causing severe agricultural and economic damage.
If the coconut beetle spreads to Australia, garden palms would be at risk along with the country’s emerging date industry.
Dr. Kayvan Etrebari, who has researched the beetle for a number of years, says “it is imperative that Australian scientists help our neighbouring countries in the pacific to tackle their emerging pests and diseases.