A disease-resistant variety of rhinoceros beetle is threatening the Solomon Islands' US$38-million coconut and palm oil industry exports.
The disease-resistant variety of rhinoceros beetle. Photo: Supplied
The two industries are equal in value and make up a significant share of the country's export earnings.
The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Response Programme co-ordinator Bob Macfarlane is organising a taskforce gathering this week aimed at combatting the noxious pest.
Bob Mcfarlane said the beetle was different from the variety which devastated half of the coconut palms in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in the early 1900s.
He said the Solomons variety was also resistant to the viral disease used to successfully combat that type.
"One of the research programmes that we've got going is to try and identify where this strain has come from and then go there and see if we can find a disease or similar virus disease which is being effective there."
Bob Macfarlane said until a new biological agent could be found the focus would be on preventing the spread of the beetle, including incinerating all affected trees.
Coconuts form a significant part of the local diet and the beetle presents a serious threat to the country's food security.