"NUTFALL" still unsolved
p. 17 · Read in the full issue
Dr. J. PHILLIPS, an English entomolegist, who arrived in Sydney on March 26, after spending three years on the Lever Bros.’ Plantations in the Solomon Islands, said that a bug called Amblypelta cocophaga, was causing serious losses In the coconut plantations.
“It bores holes through the stem of the nut,” he said, “and when it is only half matured the nut falls to the ground, it is a dead loss to the planter.”
About a year ago Dr. Phillips introduced a tiny parasite, which it was hoped would stop the pest. It has not thrived, however, and other means are now being sought. Dr. Phillips is returning to his home in England.