Vanuatu is moving closer to producing its own Metarhizium fungus — a proven biological control against the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) — following specialised training delivered this week in Port Vila.

CRB Coordinator Mr Joe Pakoawia confirmed that Biosecurity Vanuatu officers, together with VARTC and the University of the South Pacific (USP), completed capacity-building sessions focused on safely identifying, isolating, and growing Metarhizium in laboratory conditions.

The training equips officers with skills to collect beetles naturally infected in the field, isolate the fungus, and eventually produce local supplies. Currently, Vanuatu relies on imported fungal products, which are costly and slow to arrive. Shipments from Malaysia are expected in early 2026.

Mr Pakoawia noted that the training aligns with the MFAT-funded project extension for 2025–2027. He confirmed that Biosecurity Vanuatu’s new laboratory for rearing the fungus is expected to be completed in the first week of December.

“This training means officers are now fully prepared to produce Vanuatu’s own Metarhizium fungus once the lab is operational,” he said. “Local production will allow faster support to affected islands and strengthen national response to CRB.”

Training was facilitated by Sulav Paudel and Laura Villamizar, both Senior Scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (AgResearch), New Zealand. Villamizar highlighted that the course focuses on safe handling, preservation, and mass-production methods to ensure long-term self-sufficiency.

This is the first time AgResearch has delivered this training in Vanuatu, following successful programs in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. The institute will continue to support Vanuatu over the next two years to monitor progress and guide production once underway.