SaferShield Witches' Broom Paper

 

From August 2023 to December 2024, two performance trials were conducted in Trinidad and Tobago to evaluate SaferShield, a cost-effective, two-phase treatment designed to combat major cocoa fungal diseases: Witches' Broom, Black Pod, Frosty Pod, and Vascular Streak Dieback. The trials took place on a 6-acre plot in Rancho Quemado and a 5-acre plot in Erin that were both infected with Witches' Broom and nearby plots where the disease was uncontrolled. The published trial is given below:

STIM27 Coconut Stimulant Trial Results - Sep-24 to Nov-24

In September 2024, STIM27 was applied as a single treatment to 16 adult Malaysian Dwarf Coconut palms. By November 2024, 15 of these palms showed positive signs of regeneration, with new leaves, emerging inflorescences, and no signs of nut drop or scarring from coconut mites. One palm showed signs of emerging leaves but no inflorescence.

SaferShield Witches' Broom Trial Results - Aug-23 to Dec-24

From August 2023 to December 2024, two performance trials were conducted in Trinidad and Tobago to evaluate SaferShield, a cost-effective, two-phase treatment designed to combat major cocoa fungal diseases: Witches' Broom, Black Pod, Frosty Pod, and Vascular Streak Dieback. The trials took place on a 6-acre plot in Rancho Quemado and a 5-acre plot in Erin that were both infected with Witches' Broom and nearby plots where the disease was uncontrolled.

Coconut Beetle Control using Naphthalene

Short Version

Yes, naphthalene balls (mothballs) in the crowns of Royal Palms and Coconut can instantly stop beetles from entering, ovipositing and causing damage. Our trials with three balls in one 450ml water bottle show that there are no attacks for 12–14 weeks once the balls are in place.. However, to be clear, this is not a recommended practice, as naphthalene is not approved for use as a pesticide nor for use near crops. Although not water soluble, it may still enter the palm's sap and tissue if used in the crown.

🛑⚠️ Warning ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️

Again, although placing mothballs is a widespread practice - we cannot recommend this.  
🛑  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SoyZd7Icjo
🛑  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_FoZOnQu4Q