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+--- Thread: Beetles destroying palm trees (/showthread.php?tid=15788)
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Beetles destroying palm trees - pbmaise - 04-05-2015
While researching the deaths of Ohia trees I found this nasty beetle.
Giant 'coconut rhino beetle' invades
Hawaii
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/giant-coconut-rhino-beetle-invades-hawaii
I don't see a separate thread on this important issue and wanted to start one here to draw attention to this threat.
In addition to Ohia loss, which may be due to a different or same beetle, Puna faces the loss of most coconut trees.
Has this bug made the jump to the Big Island?
Anyone suffering recent loss of palm trees, not owing to wind?
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - lavalava - 04-05-2015
Yes, the beetle is in lower Puna! Has killed plenty of triangle palms especially!
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - Punatic007 - 04-05-2015
Yikes, is that what killed my Triangle palm hedge? As each fell over, I quickly inspected because it seemed as though there was an infestation of fire ants towards the top of the each palm. Perhaps they came in after the damage was done by the beetles. Still don't know, I thought the LFA's did it.
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - Midnight Rambler - 04-05-2015
Say what? No CRB have been detected outside of Oahu, and very few outside of the Pearl Harbor area. Got a picture? Don't confuse it with the oriental flower beetle, which has white spots around the edge of the body and no horn. Also, note that the triangular cutouts in coconut palm leaves can be caused by tree trimming.
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - Midnight Rambler - 04-05-2015
Also, it would take probably over a year of attacks to kill a palm tree. During which time you would see obvious (and very unusual) damage to the leaves.
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - Justin - 04-05-2015
These are NOT in Puna, thankfully. There are other beetles, but more "manageable" beetles than this. There was just a discussion on this very topic on the International Palm Society message board. Many of the worlds top palm collectors and sellers are in Puna (go figure), and would know immediately if there was an issue.
As to Triangle palms falling over, that's usually rot. They grow on relatively dry hillsides in Southeast Madagascar, and are not used to getting anywhere near the rain we get in Puna. Their crown collects water, and this often leads to rot. After they rot, or during the rotting process, beetles and other critters may feast on the rotting tissue, but don't confuse the effect with the cause.
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - pbmaise - 04-05-2015
I mentioned beetles to the mayor of the small town I am anchored near In Philippines. The coconut rhinoceros bettle has drastically cut coconut production here.
This website indicates highly aggressive management in Oahu where they are cutting down up to 150 palm trees in one go. They also have hung over 1000 panel traps to capture them.
I read what Justin is writing about rot, however I think he would agree it is still important that people check carefully for insects that may be the cause.
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - lavalava - 04-06-2015
Thinking that CRB have not and will never make the leap across is the same pie in the sky thinking that LFAs wont spread.
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - Punatic007 - 04-06-2015
quote:
Originally posted by Justin
These are NOT in Puna, thankfully. There are other beetles, but more "manageable" beetles than this. There was just a discussion on this very topic on the International Palm Society message board. Many of the worlds top palm collectors and sellers are in Puna (go figure), and would know immediately if there was an issue.
As to Triangle palms falling over, that's usually rot. They grow on relatively dry hillsides in Southeast Madagascar, and are not used to getting anywhere near the rain we get in Puna. Their crown collects water, and this often leads to rot. After they rot, or during the rotting process, beetles and other critters may feast on the rotting tissue, but don't confuse the effect with the cause.
Thanks for taking the time to respond Justin, as an avid gardener that info mean alot to me.
RE: Beetles destroying palm trees - bananahead - 04-06-2015
Big News if the Rhino Beetle is here on BI... please dont spread rumors if NOT..
PS Ohia are native (endemic) ...Coconut Palms and Triangle Palms are not native to Hawaii
Only native Palm is the Loulu (Pritchardia ssp), and there are 24 different species in the state (5 different on BI, with 1 in upper Puna (Beccari's Loulu, Pritchardia beccariana)
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save our indigenous and endemic Hawaiian Plants... learn about them, grow them, and plant them on your property, ....instead of all that invasive non-native garbage I see in most yards... aloha