The trees are a key component at the iconic viewing spot in the island’s south but are under serious threat of being destroyed by caterpillars that are continuing to eat away at the palms.
Governor Sophon led a team of agricultural experts and government officials to inspect the site on Tuesday (Apr 2) and demanded that immediate action be taken to eliminate the problem, explaining if not and the trees were destroyed then it could ultimately have a detrimental impact on Phuket’s image in the eyes of tourism.
Joining Governor Sophon were: Jarasri Khamphirasingh, Phuket Provincial Agriculture Officer; Aroon Solos, Rawai Mayor; the Mueang district chief, as well as selected public sector officials.
The palm trees are synonymous with one of Phuket’s most famous landmarks and that it would be devastating to lose them to such pests, Governor Sophon said.
The worms have been even more prevalent of late due to the lack of rainfall on the area, which stretches back several months, he added.
Ms Jarasri explained that black-headed caterpillars, which increased in intensity as food plantations developed across the country, feed off palm trees and specifically coconuts, palm sugar, dates, areca nuts and palm oil.
Once an outbreak of the caterpillars is detected the leaves of the tree will turn brown and wilt, similar to those affected by termites. Once the outbreak occurs it can spread rapidly and be devastating to the ultimate health of the trees, she added.
The method for containing and destroying the black-headed caterpillars involves cutting the leaves on the lower part of the tree where the pests tend to be more prevalent and burning them. This is also known as the ‘Karma method,’ Ms Jarasiri explained. It is crucial that trees impacted by the pests are not removed and re-planted elsewhere, she added.
Additionally, the department of agriculture will release 200 Bracon Hebetor parasitoid hornets per rai throughout the area each evening at dusk for a limited time, which will also help control the black-headed caterpillar problem.
Chemicals can also be injected into the tree’s trunk or sprayed onto the leaves by injection to help eradicate the pests, Ms Jarasiri said. An insecticide crop protector known as emamectin benzoate distributed at a rate of 30 milliliters per tree is especially effective, she added.
Mr Solos explained that Governor Sophon had instructed him to work with local government, the provincial agricultural department and local district leaders to stamp out the threat from the caterpillars by being extra diligent and surveying all local areas to ensure there are no more outbreaks.
Funds have been allocated to deal with the issue and initial action will see leaf cutting and burning to try and eliminate the threat, Mr Solos added.