Black insects have damaged several coconut plantations in Phuket

[TV Channel 11]

Black insects have damaged several coconut plantations in Phuket while officials try to apply natural means to keep the situation under control

More than 7,000 rai of coconut plantations on Phuket island are now damaged by a kind of black insect or leaf beetle known by the scientific name of Brontispa Longissima Gestro. The information was revealed by the Provincial Agriculture Chief Somchai Wongsriwiwat who went on to explain that the insect caused the trees to die. It was found mostly on Racha island and at other hotels or resorts including top star ones which have large coconut plantations as their natural garden for guests. He pointed out that it caused damage to tourism resources. The office has now sent out officials to give advice to those resort operators on Racha Island and in the Patong area. It is applying natural ways to tackle the problem by breeding or using bees or wasps called Asecodes hispinarum which will spoil the eggs of the black insects. This way will help avoid using any chemicals with their effects he explained. Mr. Somchai believes that the situation will be completely tackled within a couple of months.

from Andaman News TV11 Phuket, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket + Radio Thailand FM90.5 Phuket, 8.30am Thursday 26 January 2006 & http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=159879 to see mini-video

[butterflyblonde]

So..coconut shakes are off the menu in many restaurants then ?

[Captain]

No, price went up. They got meat in it now.

[Warrior]

Is that brontispa meat?

Here is their pic... so you know who to look for

[Whazzzup]

Originally Posted by Warrior

Is that brontispa meat?

Here is their pic... so you know who to look for

Looks a bit pale to me. Most definately not black, is this the farang version?