Project Number: 1275-22000-242-06
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 15, 2005
End Date: Oct 30, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to gain a better understanding of the basic biology of the cocoa pod borer with the final objective of developing an effective integrated pest management program. The research will focus on phylogenetics, pheromone research, and artificial rearing.

Approach:
Expertise is available at USDA on insect biocontrol, insect pathology, insect systematics, chemical ecology (including pheromones), and development of artificial diets. All these areas are important in the development of a comprehensive integrated pest management program against the cocoa pod borer. Scientists at USDA will conduct research to (1) determine whether cryptic cocoa pod borer species occur throughout South East Asia; (2) elucidate the pheromone components in the cocoa pod borer; and (3) assist in the development of an artificial rearing medium for the insect. Results from this research project will be eventually tied to the current initiatives in breeding, integrated pest management, and farmer training in South East Asia.