Insect control breakthrough in PNG

07/07/2008 14:43:22

A breakthrough in Papua New Guinea, where researchers say they believe they've found the solution to destructive insect pests, that are threatening the country's multi-million dollar cocoa and coffee industries.

An insecticide, developed with oil extracted from a plant endemic to PNG, has so far proved to be potent against insects that damage cocoa and coffee crops.

Dr Topul Rali, from the University of Papua New Guinea says, the discovery is huge step forward.

He's told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program it will mean PNG won't have to rely on the help of other countries if the insecticide is made available across the agriculutral sector.

"Some of these chemicals are very potent against specific insects and using that patented knowledge when the plant is so plentiful in the country I think the next thing for us is to solve our own agricultural problems by using it," he said.

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