Laem Phromthep’s sunset spectacle threatened by caterpillars

[webfact]

 

Laem Phromthep, a popular sunset viewpoint in Phuket known for its iconic Palmyra palm trees, is under threat due to an infestation of black-headed caterpillars. The local governor, Sophon Suwannarat, observed this alarming situation during a recent visit to the cape. He attributed the sudden surge in the caterpillar population to the uncharacteristically prolonged dry spell in the past few months.

 

If no action is taken to curb the caterpillar spread, the palm trees could potentially die out, significantly altering the picturesque landscape of Laem Phromthep, warned the governor.

 

The head of Phuket’s agriculture office, Jarassri Khampeesing, detailed the damage caused by these pests. The caterpillars attack the palm leaves, causing them to turn brown and wilt. To eradicate the issue, the affected leaves need to be burnt. However, transporting them elsewhere for disposal could risk spreading the caterpillars to other areas.

Khampeesing suggested an alternative solution involving the introduction of Habrobracon hebetors, tiny wasps known for their ability to control pest populations. Using pesticides is another viable option.

Rawai municipality’s mayor, Arun Solas, highlighted the importance of the palmyra palm trees in the Laem Phromthep landscape. These trees have long attracted visitors to the area, contributing significantly to its appeal. Solas assured that funds have been allocated to eliminate the caterpillar infestation and prevent future attacks on the cape’s trees, reported Bangkok Post.

 

In related environmental news, the Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment from the House of Representatives yesterday landed in Phuket to conduct a study tour and resolve land disputes.

 

The visit, led by the committee chairman, Apichart Sirisunthon, who also holds the position of Secretary-General of the Move Forward Party (MFP), sought to address the local land disputes and wastewater issues. Numerous complaints received by the committee informed the initiative.

 

Apichart Sirisunthon and his delegation convened a meeting at the Phuket Provincial Hall, under the helm of Phuket Governor Suwan Suwannarat. The gathering, attended by high-ranking Phuket officials and several public members, was an opportunity to voice feedback and suggestions.

 

by Mitch Connor

Picture of the iconic palm trees on Laem Phromthep courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-05

 

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[Tropicalevo]

We have similar problem here on Samui except that it is the Red Palm Weevil killing off the coconut palms.

Started in about 2010. Now, large areas of the island do not have coconut palms - or they have just the trunk left standing like those in the bottom right corner of the photo.

An entomologist was invited in from overseas, and he recommended NOT to bring in outside species as they can then become a pest when their food chain runs out.

Here, it was wasps.

The local golf course introduces wasps that fed on the weevil larvae.

Then, the golfers were plagued by swarms of wasps.

Not sure what happened next - I do not play golf.

[stevenl]

Introducing a species to combat another species spells big danger.

[edwinchester]

Few drones with tanks full of cypermethrin is the usual solution.

[brianthainess]

2 hours ago, stevenl said:

Introducing a species to combat another species spells big danger.

Bring in the Cane toads, that'll work, ask the Ozzy's.

[brianthainess]

Pesticide is the only real answer, I have not one mango on my 15 mt tree this year, I was to lazy to spray them when in flower. 

[billd766]

1 hour ago, edwinchester said:

Few drones with tanks full of cypermethrin is the usual solution.

Having sprayed everything in sight with cypermethrin,

 

who cares what it does to the fish people eat, the honey that comes from the bees etc?

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=cypermethrin&rlz=1C1CHBF_enTH1087TH1088&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid used as an insecticide on a large scale. Cypermethrin is highly toxic to fish, bees, and aquatic insects, according to the National Pesticides Telecommunications Network. It is found in many household ants and cockroach killers, including Raid and ant chalk.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

To eradicate the issue, the affected leaves need to be burnt. However, transporting them elsewhere for disposal could risk spreading the caterpillars to other areas.

Burn in situ like they do up north...

[ThaiFelix]

9 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Burn in situ like they do up north...

Love the smell of napalm in the morning!

[PETERTHEEATER]

6 hours ago, ThaiFelix said:

Love the smell of napalm in the morning!

Unless that smell is iconic forget the napalm....😋

[still kicking]

11 hours ago, stevenl said:

Introducing a species to combat another species spells big danger.

Yes, like introducing the cane toad to Australia.

[CHdiver]

They are very big and difficult to miss......and yello 😎

[cmjl]

12 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Burn in situ like they do up north...

Just what's needed,smoke particulates/smog/pollution and the risk of fire spreading,would spraying with Neem oil be a more natural and less hazardous answer