Addressing coconut damage and recovery after volcanic eruptions

The volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga remind us of the power of nature and the vulnerability of small Pacific Island communities. The immediate consequences of ash and destruction are spectacular, but the longer-term effects and disruption of agricultural production are less obvious. One of the consequences of these natural disasters is a large number of dead coconut palms with decaying organic matter. This is the perfect breeding material for the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), one of the most prominent pests in the region. In the aftermath of the Tonga eruption, action needs to be taken to avoid a surge of pests and the failure of coconuts as a staple food and source of income. During our work in the Pacific, we have worked with local scientists in Papua New Guinea and Fiji to establish controls for CRB in the aftermath of volcanic eruptions and cyclones.