Fruitflies threaten bananas in ENB
Copyright 2001, Post-Courier (PNG)
December 22, 2000
BANANA, one of East New Britain’s main staple foods, is being threatened by an outbreak of fruitflies — a pest which can destroy the entire banana crop if it is not controlled immediately.
Researchers at the National Agricultural Research Institute at Kerevat have discovered an outbreak of the fruitflies in the province, which they say can become a serious problem if steps are not taken now to control its spread.
Last month NARI confirmed the outbreak after carrying out comprehensive research into the disease in some of the major banana growing areas in the province.
It’s believed the pest was brought into East New Britain by boat from Lae during the peak of either the 1994 twin volcanic eruptions or the El Nino drought. At that time there were only 40 to 60 fruitflies found in the banana fruits which were brought in.
Today the pest has multiplied and spread throughout the province, affecting most of the major areas of the Gazelle Peninsula.
Some of the areas where the fruit pest has been found are Kerevat, Warangoi, all of Toma, Kokopo, Bitapaka, the south coast villages, Sikut, Gelagela and settlement blocks from Vunapalading to Lassul Bay.
Areas around the North Coast including the Kerevat and Tavilo lowlands, have also been infested.
Even the Duke of York Islands and some parts of Pomio district have been reported to have also been affected.
It is feared that the insect could have also reached parts of New Ireland, especially along the west coast of Namatanai district.
Senior government entomologist with NARI Dr Adrian Schuhbeck said fruitflies were tiny insects like the ordinary houseflies, which feed mainly on banana.