Mr Taukuro
The
Technical Note 9
August 2006
OPRA tive Word
Control of Insect Pests in Oil Palm; trunk injection procedures
Charles Dewhurst
INTRODUCTION
TRUNK DRILLING REQUIREMENTS
To control the insect pests of oil palm, the technique of trunk drilling and insecticide injection is the standard used by the oil palm industry and smallholder growers in PNG.
1. For the control primarily of sexava and stick insects. In PNG, trunk injection for controlling insect pests requires the close collaboration of three team members (driller, injector and plug man). Teams are supervised by Boss Boys/
Supervisors.
For effective control by trunk injection, these procedures should be followed, as the insecticides used are unpleasant and potentially dangerous if used incorrectly.
PNGOPRA is charged by the Department of
Environment and Conservation in PNG (DEC) to ensure that insecticides are only used as advised by PNGOPRA, and are within the requirements of
ISO 14001. This requirement, Health & Safety and environmental considerations are of equal importance, and must be strictly followed.
Control teams must be properly equipped with the correct equipment and protective clothing.
Appendix 1 shows a schematic view of the
items required before teams move into the field to begin trunk injection. This list should be the responsibility of the store man. Without these items being issued, control teams should not begin trunk injection.
Operational safety (Column 1).
1. Teams should be equipped with at least two sets of overalls, so that one set can be washed while the other is in use. Overalls should be washed every evening, and ONLY be used for treatment work. A good colour which is readily seen is Orange. Overalls should properly fit the operators, as they will not be used if too large or too small.
2. A long butcher’s PVC apron is required by each team. This will be used by the operator decanting the insecticide from the main
Technical Note 9
August 2006
OPRA tive Word
Control of Insect Pests in Oil Palm; trunk injection procedures
Charles Dewhurst
INTRODUCTION
TRUNK DRILLING REQUIREMENTS
To control the insect pests of oil palm, the technique of trunk drilling and insecticide injection is the standard used by the oil palm industry and smallholder growers in PNG.
1. For the control primarily of sexava and stick insects. In PNG, trunk injection for controlling insect pests requires the close collaboration of three team members (driller, injector and plug man). Teams are supervised by Boss Boys/
Supervisors.
For effective control by trunk injection, these procedures should be followed, as the insecticides used are unpleasant and potentially dangerous if used incorrectly.
PNGOPRA is charged by the Department of
Environment and Conservation in PNG (DEC) to ensure that insecticides are only used as advised by PNGOPRA, and are within the requirements of
ISO 14001. This requirement, Health & Safety and environmental considerations are of equal importance, and must be strictly followed.
Control teams must be properly equipped with the correct equipment and protective clothing.
Appendix 1 shows a schematic view of the
items required before teams move into the field to begin trunk injection. This list should be the responsibility of the store man. Without these items being issued, control teams should not begin trunk injection.
Operational safety (Column 1).
1. Teams should be equipped with at least two sets of overalls, so that one set can be washed while the other is in use. Overalls should be washed every evening, and ONLY be used for treatment work. A good colour which is readily seen is Orange. Overalls should properly fit the operators, as they will not be used if too large or too small.
2. A long butcher’s PVC apron is required by each team. This will be used by the operator decanting the insecticide from the main