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Gliricidia Moth - No Threat To Human Activity

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Contact: John Emmanuel

Friday, September 21, 2001 - The Division of Agricultural Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry says it’s in the process of carrying out a comprehensive survey to ascertain the extent of damage caused by an infestation of the gliricidia moth.

Director of Agricultural Services Julius Polius says the Crop Protection Unit (CPR) within the Ministry has identified the caterpillar larva of the gliricidia and has since sent samples to the United Kingdom for verification. According to Polius, the pest, which attacks specifically the gliricidia tree, is believed to pose no threat to crops, animals or humans. 

“The feeling would be that spraying would not be something we would recommend at this point in time because you don’t want to upset balances in other natural control systems that we have. The only advice is to cut off the branches if it appears ugly and the glory cedar will grow back. It is anticipated overtime that after it goes through that particular stage of its life cycle, they will disappear naturally. So really it’s just a short terms bother rather than any major threat as a pest,” said Polius.

The incidence of caterpillars feeding on gliricidia leaves was first reported to the Ministry’s Crop Protection Unit in July of this year.

 

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