The ministry of agriculture has started using a biological agent or flying parasite to control coconut beetles.
The agriculture ministry told CNM the parasites will consume beetle larvae before it grows.
The control agents were provided under an agreement with the Chinese environment and plant protection institute and the Chinese academy of tropical agricultural science.
The parasites have been released in various islands, including Hulhumalé, Maafushi, and Fenfushi, under the ministry’s “integrated pest management programme.”
The parasites are bred at a laboratory built in Hulhulé island with Chinese assistance. Two technicians have also been trained at China.
