Recent work on biological control in Papua New Guinea and some suggestions for the future∗

Abstract

Abstract The biological control of some insect crop pests in Papua New Guinea from the late 1950s to 1979 is reviewed. The pests are considered according to the crops affected, which include coconut, citrus, cocoa, coffee, legumes, rice, sugarcane, grain sorghum, cruciferous vegetables and forest trees. The distribution in Papua New Guinea of each pest and the damage it causes are briefly described. Potential biological control agents are discussed with reference to the effects of any past introductions and some comments on possible future use. The biological control of some weed species, in particular lantana (Lantana camara L.) and salvinia (Salvinia molesta Mitchell), the giant snail (Achatina fulica hammilei Bowditch), and cattle dung is also considered.