August 2009. Control of Papuana beetle.

A question from a member in Australia about the repellent effect of coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides or hybrids Lamiaceae). A farmer in north Malaita, Solomon Islands, was said to plant coleus to ward off taro beetles.

A member who was working on taro beetle control using cultural measures for about 10 years in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea replied that he had done several coleus repellant trials in Ringi, Kolombanga Island and in the Mbalasuna area, Guadalcanal, but results were not conclusive. The beetles spent most of their time in the soil and the only time for coleus to be repellant is when the beetles actively search for hosts plants at night.

It was also said that, in Samoa, coleus was planted near taro because the flowers were attractive to a parasitic wasp (Apanteles sp.), a parasitoid of taro army worm (Spodoptera litura).

Original:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/pestnet/message/6446
Replies:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/pestnet/message/6447
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/pestnet/message/6450
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/pestnet/message/6455