Hypsipyla Shoot Borers of Meliaceae in Solomon Islands

摘要

Hypsipyla robusta (Moore) is a major pest in the tropics including Solomon Islands. In 1996, there was about 3545 ha of Swietenia macrophylla Jacq. plantation and the status of the pest needs to be seriously considered. There are a number of experimental trials of S. macrophylla in which H. robusta is being studied. It is necessary to research potential biological control of this pest, as chemicl control measures are highly uneconomical to implement in plantations. Treating H. robusta in the nursery using a systemic insecticide, Orthene, is currently an accepted treatment in Solomon Islands. Cedrela odorata, another of the Meliaceae, is also planted and is only minimally attacked by H. robusta.