Trial Update ( Trinidad STIM27 / STIM31 )
We are confident that we are on track to demonstrate that we’ve ‘cracked the code’ on how to control red-ring nematodes and their primary vector, the beetle, without the need for perpetual pesticide treatments.
So far, our September 2024 test results appear promising. All of the candidates have exhibited robust responses, greening up quickly and producing new flowers that attract pollinators.
However, our stakeholder engagement sessions with small-scale farmers tell us their primary requirement is to regenerate their damaged trees back to productive life, with many unwilling to remove their infected trees. We now realize that this creates scenarios where there can be pockets of small “sinks” where the nematodes and their vectors can safely breed. Addressing this in any solution to control nematodes and their vectors is essential.
Success will be measured by the damaged palm's ability to yield a mature cluster of nuts or produce multiple healthy new leaves. We achieve this by combating the invading pests and stimulating new shoots, roots, and flower buds. .
As a recap:
However, our stakeholder engagement sessions with small-scale farmers tell us their primary requirement is to regenerate their damaged trees back to productive life, with many unwilling to remove their infected trees. We now realize that this creates scenarios where there can be pockets of small “sinks” where the nematodes and their vectors can safely breed. Addressing this in any solution to control nematodes and their vectors is essential.
Success will be measured by the damaged palm's ability to yield a mature cluster of nuts or produce multiple healthy new leaves. We achieve this by combating the invading pests and stimulating new shoots, roots, and flower buds. .
As a recap:
- STIM27: This system immediately halts damage caused by nematodes and their vectors. It's positioned in the crown, from where it eliminates adult and juvenile nematodes, nematode eggs, and beetle larvae that feed throughout the palm. Additionally, it acts as a beetle repellent while remaining safe for pollinators. The current form is an Exploratory Prototype (EXP) to confirm STIM27's function.
- STIM31: This system protects the crown by creating a gas cloud that repels beetles without impacting pollinators. The current form is an Early New Production Prototype (ENP) that has been in test since December 2022 for both coconut and Royal Caribbean palms.
However, it is becoming evident that we need to broaden our testing to include solutions for addressing coconut mites. These mites can significantly affect a tree’s ability to produce a full bunch of healthy nuts, making them a crucial component of our evidence base to validate the success of our initial tests.
Therefore, we intend to broaden our testing to demonstrate effective control of coconut mites without the need for repeated pesticide applications.
Therefore, we intend to broaden our testing to demonstrate effective control of coconut mites without the need for repeated pesticide applications.
We shall update as we go along.
