The use of crazy ants in the control of Pantorhytes in cocoa

Abstract

Pantorhytes are the most damaging insect pests of cocoa in Papua New Guinea. The larvae (grubs) bore into the trunk, jorquette and main branches of cocoa trees, weakening and often killing them. Very often, the larval channels become infested with cocoa canker. The disease often kills trees, especially those older than 12-15 years. Adult Pantorhytes feed on the bark of cocoa shoots, young seedling replants and pod husks.