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Date released
12 September 2018

By Lastus Kuniata, New Britain Palm Oil

Bogia coconut syndrome (BCS) was first discovered in the Bogia district of PNG’s Madang Province in the late 1970s, where it wiped out coconut plantations.

The disease is caused by the phytoplasma Candidatus Phytoplasma noviguineense, which is one of a group of pathogens that causes lethal yellowing-type diseases in a range of plants. So far, this particular pathogen has been detected in coconuts, bananas and betel nut palms. BCS in coconuts has been confirmed in the Bogia, Sumkar and Madang districts of Madang.

Surveys in all other PNG coastal provinces in 2009 did not show the presence of BCS in coconut palms. Current research at present has established that the disease is confined to Madang.

However, PNG’s coastal communities, including those on offshore islands in Madang, depend on coconuts, betel nuts and bananas for their livelihood. BCS puts these communities at potential risk. While insect vectors have been identified, infected planting materials are likely to be the source of the spread.

Researchers drilling to collect samples of Bogia coconut syndrome (BCS) in Papua New Guinea.
Researchers drilling to collect samples of Bogia coconut syndrome (BCS) in Papua New Guinea.
Researchers standing next to test facilities where vector screening takes place in Mobdu, Madang, PNG.
Researchers standing next to test facilities where vector screening takes place in Mobdu, Madang, PNG.
Coconut trees showing the tell-tale signs of BCS.
Coconut trees showing the tell-tale signs of BCS.

As infected planting materials are most likely to be a major source for the spread of the disease, in internal quarantine checkpoint was established on the major highway that leads out of Madang Province to the neighbouring Morobe Province. No-one was allowed to take any planting materials from any crops out of Madang Province. This was done to prevent further spread of BCS, especially to the oil palm plantations on the other side of the mountain range that separates the Madang and Morobe provinces.

The disease development studies conducted by Ramu Agri-Industries Limited, Cocoa Coconut Institute Limited and National Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Authority showed that it only takes three to six months after the symptoms first appear for the palms to die.

There is currently no cure for BCS in PNG and very limited biological knowledge of the organism and its transmission. Sanitation of diseased palms has been used in Africa, Reunion Island and the West Indies, and this has delayed the spread of the lethal yellowing-type diseases.

This research is part of a project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research to gain biological knowledge of BCS and develop a risk management strategy with a view to developing an appropriate and evidence-based response, based on a realistic assessment of the threat to coconut and other crops.