Matching pathogen and host: biological control of CRB with Oryctes nudivirus

<p dir="ltr">A new wave of coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) invasions has begun in the Pacific. Classical biological control with the co-evolved Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) is an essential part of the invasion response. The challenge is to identify isolates of OrNV that are effective against each new invasive population because these new populations are showing significant variability in their response to different OrNV isolates. An effective isolate has been identified for the CRB invasions into Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. Releases have been conducted in both countries with evidence of establishment and spread detected on Efate, Vanuatu. Efforts to identify an effective isolate against the CRB population that first established in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, continue. This presentation will describe the process used to select potential isolates, conduct screening bioassays, assess the results, and make recommendations to project partners.</p>