Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Vanuatu: Efficient outbreak containment and ongoing assessment of biological control agent

Summary

• CRB remains contained on Efate preventing its spread to other key copra-producing islands
• A candidate biocontrol agent (OrNV-V23B) against the local CRB population identified
• Early signs of OrNV establishment in the CRB population
• Local biosecurity team have gained confidence and operational capacity built in conducting screening bioassays, dosing and releasing beetles