Samui Island Revives Its Native Coconut Tree Growing To Draw Tourists

[Lite Beer]

Samui Island revives its native coconut tree growing to draw tourists

SURAT THANI, 12 June 2011 (NNT)-Thailand’s popular tourist destination island, Koh Samui, is promoting coconut trees growing on the island with an aim of boosting local tourism and making coconut trees one of the Thai economy drives.

Samui District Chief Mr. Prasert Jitmoong said the famous island was once renowned for its coconuts, but it had become more popular as a resort and entertainment island in the eyes of the visitors. Locusts have also threatened the trees. The island has reportedly seen the decline of coconut trees by 50%.

Mr. Prasert has a policy to increase the coconut trees particularly the species that are suitable to the island’s climate. Coconut farmers will be educated on how to prevent pests and successfully grow coconut trees.

The District Chief added that one local community on the island would be selected to become a model community to practice the Sufficiency Economy philosophy for other communities to follow.

-- NNT 2011-06-12

[Tropicalevo]

Sadly this is a bit of a joke.

The island has been infested by the red palm weevil. This little blighter is destroying the coconut trees. If you do not stop the weevil, any new trees will be prone to attack.

Some residents where I live treat their coconut trees to try and stop the little blighter. We have lost approx 10% of our trees. Our neighbors who do not treat - lost 50% to 60% and ongoing!

[samuijimmy]

Sadly this is a bit of a joke.

The island has been infested by the red palm weevil. This little blighter is destroying the coconut trees. If you do not stop the weevil, any new trees will be prone to attack.

Some residents where I live treat their coconut trees to try and stop the little blighter. We have lost approx 10% of our trees. Our neighbors who do not treat - lost 50% to 60% and ongoing!

To Quote:

"Mr. Prasert has a policy to increase the coconut trees particularly the species that are suitable to the island's climate"

I no expert on coconuts, I do know, that Koh Samui is supposed to have the largest variety of palm trees anywhere in the world...

But it makes one wonder if the varieties of coconuts grown on the island that get this weevil, are "native species" or brought in from else where and more prone to attack?

In my area of (Maenam) I have only seen a couple of Coconut trees die back from this little blighter... that's not to say more maybe under attack... but never seen any one spraying insecticide on coconuts in my area ....

I do see locals planting them.... just wish they would not do it under power lines....