An Integrated Control Scheme for Cocoa Pests and Diseases in Papua New Guinea

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Abstract
Pest control recommendations in Papua New Guinea cocoa plantings are based on an integrated approach to insect pest and disease management. The most damaging problems are Pantorhytes weevils, black pod and bark canker disease (both caused by Phytophthora palmivora) but vascular streak dieback (VSD) disease is important in some areas of the country. Most other insect pests can be kept to insignificant levels by cultural or biological controls, but occasional outbreaks causing crop loss or tree damage may require spot treatments mainly of nonpersistent insecticides. Certain cocoa environments are unfavorable to Pantorhytes and some other major pests. The selection of shade types and levels, the spot treatment of borer channels with penetrant insecticides and the introduction of antagonistic ant colonies reduces populations of the main insect pests to low and stable levels. These measures decrease the incidence of P. palmivora pod rot by replacing some ant vectors with a nonvector and reduce bark canker infections which are frequently associated with borer attack. The improved condition of the cocoa canopy following control measures reduces weed growth. Planting material resistant to VSD, black pod and bark canker is currently being propagated and released.