Fight against an invasive alien weed

By JOSEPHINE YAGA of NARI

Mikania project leader Annastasia Kawi conducting laboratory studies on rust fungus, Puccinia spegazzini, in the NARI post-entry quarantine (PEQ) constant temperature room at NARI Kerevat, East New Britain

An alien is any species that is found out of its historically normal range.
Often the species will not survive as may not adapt to its new locale due to the locale having slightly different temperatures, seasonal variation, humidity, wind, predators, pests or diseases.
However, in a minority of cases, a plant will be able to survive.
Even more rarely, perhaps in 10% of cases, an alien will thrive in its new location better than in its original location.
This is often because of the absence of a predator or pest that would normally keep the species in check, and because of a biological trait that predisposes it to fast colonisation, such as a fast growth rate and the production of many seeds.
When this happens, the species can spread quickly to become very common and dominant in its new habitat, and is known as ‘invasive’.
A regional workshop on bio control heard that in the Pacific, 300–500 plant species could be regarded as invaders, with about 150 species classified as aggressive.
Mikania micrantha is one such aggressive and invasive weed species.
Often called “mile-a-minute weed”, it can grow as fast as one metre per month.
Mikania is a very destructive invasive weed which spreads far and wide and smothers other plants.
It is found in 17 Pacific Island countries and territories including Papua New Guinea.
Mile-a-minute is thought to have arrived in the Pacific islands in the early 1900s as contaminants of various imported products and is suspected to be a relatively new addition to the flora of PNG.
It has spread rapidly in most islands and coastal plains of mainland New Guinea.
Mikania has been suppressing forest regeneration or has changed the ecology of areas.
Analysis from a socio-economic survey conducted on Mikania indicated that 80% of the respondents in 15 lowland provinces consider mikania as a problematic weed.
Approximately 44% of farmers of subsistence mixed cropping control M. micrantha at least once a fortnight and implies that a lot of their time is spent on clearing this weed from their land.
The fight against mile-a-minute as an invasive weed in the Pacific’s agricultural sector and food security areas has been picking up in the past years with the release in Fiji and PNG of a pathogen rust fungus, to control mikania.
The rust fungus, scientifically known as Puccinia spegazzini, was imported to Fiji by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the ministry of agriculture as part of their Mikania bio-control project.
The Fiji government gave the permission to import Puccinia following host specificity testing conducted on behalf of Fiji and PNG by the world-renowned Commonwealth Agriculture Bureau International (CABI), based in England.
Some plants, important to PNG and Fiji, were tested by CABI Europe-UK during the whole of 2006 against this rust fungus to make sure it did not attack any of our useful plants or native flora in the Pacific.
Host specificity testing confirmed that the rust fungus was host-specific and restricted to mikania only.
This biological control agent would help reduce unnecessary weeding costs such as labour and herbicide.
Preliminary results from Laboratory studies and field monitoring observations conducted at National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) Kerevat suggests that mikania growth can be suppressed or reduced when the rust fungus is present on the bio-mass.
In November2008, the rust fungus was imported into PNG as part of an Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR)-funded project to control the Mikania weed.
CABI Europe-UK infected mikania plants grown from stock plants obtained from PNG early in November 2008.
Later that month, the plants were hand-carried to PNG NARI Kerevat by SPC project coordinator Warea Orapa.
Upon arrival, the UK-infected plants were transplanted into sterilised soil with water and placed in an inoculation chamber in the NARI post entry quarantine (PEQ) constant temperature room.
This rust fungus is the first of its kind to be introduced in PNG.
At NARI Kerevat, the rust is maintained and mass propagated for field distribution and monitoring.
Inoculation procedures and culturing, impact assessment, field release and monitoring of the rust are work undertaken to assess the progress of the rust and prevent contamination or pest outbreak.
The monitoring activities were jointly conducted by Mikania project staff from PNG Cocoa and Coconut Institute (PNGCCI), PNG Oil Palm Research Association (PNGOPRA) and NARI who are major collaborators of the ACIAR project in PNG.

Field release on rust fungus to the Oil Palm Research Association (OPRA) staff at Hoskins in 2009

The rust fungus controls mikania by developing many swollen lumps on leaves, stems and petioles forming copper-colored lumps on the surface of the dead plant parts.
High infection densities of these will reduce the ability of the weed to grow and become aggressive and death can be possible in conditions favourable to the fungus.
During the preliminary field release and monitoring strategy observation done in early 2009 at NARI Kerevat, infected plants were placed in amongst mikania-growing under cocoa and monitored for establishment.
Pustules were observed on mikania growing around the infected plants after three weeks.
Field release techniques used in different microhabitats, found that irrespective of the number of pustules, size of infected pots and time of releases, the rust establishes more easily on young growth stages of mikania compared to mature dense infestations.
Mikania project leader, Annastasia Kawi said: “The results of the average number of leaves infected and average number of pustules present on young mikania three weeks after field release suggests that the rust, when released in conducive environmental conditions, can survive.”
She added that the rust fungus had been released in 46 sites in East New Britain since January 2009 and monitoring of sites was conducted to confirm host specificity of the rust in natural environment.
At NARI Kerevat, the rust had been found growing on mikania near many different plant species and to date no inoculation has been observed on cultivated or wild species of any plant other than mikania.
Mikania has been recorded to be present in 1,052 sites in 15 provinces (excluding Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Western Highlands, Enga and Southern Highlands province) in PNG.
The bio-control control agent (rust fungus) has been released in 454 sites in those 15 provinces to date.
A total of 80 sites have established in eight provinces and natural spread has been monitored up to 37km after one year.
Since the rust fungus was field established in 2009 in East New Britain and other provinces, monitoring of field establishment have been an important activity of the project.
It is observed that initial establishment is conducive in total or partial shade and near waterways, hence, once established it does well in wetter and cooler environment.
Kawi cautioned farmers to be observant of the biological control agent as it was environmental-friendly, acted as an alternate control option and sustainable in rural farming communities.
More information on the mikania weed can be obtained from NARI Islands regional centre in Keravat on 983 9145/9200.

No-confidence vote bid ruined

Election of Governor General to take precedence
By ISAAC NICHOLAS and JEFFREY ELAPA

Members of the public rushing up the steps to get inside parliament and secure seats at the public gallery when parliament resumed for its emergency session yesterday afternoon. Many had rushed in thinking that parliament was about to vote on the new governor-general. – Nationalpic by AURI EVA

THE proposed vote of no-confidence by the opposition against Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and his government will not take place, The National reports.
The opposition yesterday failed to deliver a motion on the proposed vote to the office of the acting Speaker, Francis Marus, despite an assurance by senior opposition member Sir Puka Temu.
As such, Marus declared that he would not entertain any other business except that of the election of a new governor-general.
Parliament resumed yesterday afternoon and called for nominations for the position of governor-general.
Soon after, the government caucus met and penned 47 signatures on the nomination form for North Bougainville MP and Higher Education Minister Michael Ogio to contest as its candidate.
Parliament was recalled following a Supreme Court ruling last month declaring the reappointment of Sir Paulias Matane as unconstitutional.
During that period, from Dec 10 last year, the opposition had publicly made known its intention to try and push through a vote of no-confidence motion against the government of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
Acting parliament Speaker Francis Marus had fixed Friday at 10am as the time and day for the secret ballot to be conducted.
The clerk’s office was swamped with more than 15 candidates rushing to obtain the nomination forms to be filled and handed in by 4pm today after complying with all the requirements.
Candidates vying for the position had swamped the corridors of parliament after nominations opened as they dashed from one MP’s office to another looking for signatures.
They were required to collect 15 signatures to make them eligible to contest the vice-regal’s chair.
Their first stop was at the clerk’s office for the nomination forms before dashing off in search of MPs. One MP could only back one candidate, with six possible nominees expected by the offices of the clerk and acting speaker of parliament.
Among those sighted were Ronald Rimbao, Sir Pato Kakaraya, Sir Makena Geno, Sir Matiabe Yuwi, Sir Barry Holloway, Kagul Korowa and women candidates Enny Moatz and Winnie Kiap.
Marus said the election of the vice-regal would take precedence over all other businesses in compliance with the court order.
He said this was an emergency situation, under section 88(4) of the constitution, and the only business would be to vote in a new GG.
The government yesterday muscled up its numerical strength of more than 67 members for a quorum to start the session, with opposition members slowly walking in as the acting speaker made his nomination statement.
Leader of government business Paul Tiensten said last night that the election of the governor-general would take precedence.
He admitted that the government did not have any other business to deal with until May when parliament next meets.
“The recall of parliament is restricted only for the GG’s election.”
He urged that the process of nomination be completed between now and Friday and not subjected to legal challenges in future.
“Our job is to ensure the process goes smoothly and is not derailed again.
“The government needs to show solidarity and maturity by resolving to have one candidate in on Friday.”

Flood forces Papua New Guinea consulate to close

By JUNIOR UKAHA

 

Heavy rains and flash floods in Toowoomba, Australia, has forced the Papua New Guinea consulate in Brisbane to shut its doors and cancel operations yesterday, The National reports.

As of 1pm, Paul Nerau, PNG’s consulate general in Brisbane ordered his staff to stop work and move to safer places due to the floods at the headwaters of Brisbane River that had ravaged homes and displaced the locals at Toowoomba.

Nerau, who spoke on Radio Australia, said the reason for stopping operations was to make sure the staff and their families were safe from the flood.

Nerau made this call after Brisbane lord mayor, Campbell Newman, said that the Brisbane River was expected to flood its bank today by 3m and that the water was expected to rise by another 1.2m to 4.2m tomorrow.

Radio Australia reported that the latest flash flood at Toowoomba had claimed eight people while 72 others went missing and 50 people trapped in a school.

It also said that hundreds of homes and vehicles had been washed away by the flood in what seemed to be a major disaster after 40 years.   

Nerau when interviewed said he was also concerned about the safety of hundreds of Papua New Guineans living, working and schooling in Toowoomba.

“I am concerned as many Papua New Guinean students in particular attend schools in Toowoomba,” he said.

Nerau said at the moment he was working with the relevant authorities in Australia to find out how many Papua New Guineans were affected by the flood and whether or not they have died as a result of the flood.

He, however, did not say anything as to whether or not the PNG government would look at the plight of those Papua New Guineans living in the area and have been affected by the flood.

Meanwhile, Radio Australia reported that places that were worst affected by the flood included Ipswich, Brisbane and Toowoomba, all within the state of Queensland.

The flooding is expected to continue till the end of the week.

 

Government settles for Ogio

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

 

THE government will endorse North Bougainville MP and Higher Education Minister Michael Ogio for the position of governor-general, The National reports.

The parliament resumed yesterday afternoon and called for nominations.

Soon after, the government caucus met and penned 47 signatures on the nomination form for Ogio to contest as its candidate for the GG’s post.

Parliament was recalled to vote in a new governor-general following a Supreme Court ruling last month declaring the reappointment of Sir Paulias Matane as unconstitutional.

If Ogio wins the secret ballot election, he would automatically resign as member for North Bougainville and lose his ministerial portfolio.

Names of three other candidates – Sir Paulias, Sir Makena Geno and Winnie Kiap – were also tossed in alongside Ogio for the caucus to consider, however, they would now have to look for support elsewhere to nominate.

Acting parliament Speaker Francis Marus fixed Friday at 10am as the time and day for the secret ballot to be conducted.

The clerk’s office was swamped with more than 15 candidates rushing to obtain the nomination forms to be filled and handed in by 4pm today after complying with all the requirements.

Those seen in the clerk’s office included Sir Makena, Sir Matiabe Yuwi, Sir Pita Lus, Akoka Doi, Ronald Rimbao and Kagul Korowa.

Marus said while the Organic Law did make provisions for the proposal forms to be returned at anytime before the start of voting, as a matter of good administrative practice and taking into account the Supreme Court interpretation of the law, it was recommended that the forms be submitted to the clerk in sufficient time.

“This will allow him to scrutinise the forms and make informed decisions on the requirements under the Organic Law.

“Should a proposal for nomination be rejected, the aggrieved person will have sufficient time to appeal to the National Court.”

Under law, a candidate must have no less than 15 members of parliament supporting him.

“If we comply with all the requirements, I expect no more than six proposals to be handed to the clerk by tomorrow (today),” the acting speaker told parliament.

“Similarly, I urge all members to act responsibly when proposing or signing on behalf of a candidate.

“Careless writing on these forms will have dramatic consequences,” he warned.

On Dec 10 last year, the Supreme Court declared the June 25, 2010, election of Sir Paulias null and void.

The bench also ordered the acting speaker, in accordance with section 88(4) of the constitution, to call a meeting of parliament to elect a new governor-general within 40 days of the order.

 

 

Shipping agent charged with retrieving seized items

By VERONICA FRANCIS

 

A SHIPPING agent was charged yesterday and Custom officers questioned in relation to the illegal departure of the vesse lUbt Fjord, which was alleged to have stolen crude oil from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, The National reports.

The vessel was detained by PNG Customs Services and was under the state’s detention when it slipped away from Simpson Harbour in Rabaul during the earlier hours of Jan 8.

PNG Customs Commissioner, Gary Juffa told The National yesterday that the agent had committed various Customs offences, however, the main offence was rescuing of seized goods, failing to obtain clearance, evading duty payment and various other offences.

He said internal investigations were currently underway to determine whether there was neglect on the part of officers responsible for ensuring the security of the vessel and also if there was anyone corroborating with the owners or ship captain to assist in the vessel’s illegal departure.

Juffa said they had already advised the client’s lawyers to immediately advise their clients to return the stolen cargo which belonged to the people of PNG.

He confirmed that they had also advised Customs authorities in all countries to impound the vessel and detain the crew including the captain for failing to obtain clearance to rescuing the seized goods and

for escaping his

criminal charges. 

“This is yet another example of foreigners fleeing the country when granted bail. On many occasions Customs has sought custody while cases are pending and yet courts grant bail to foreigners who evade justice and leave,” he said.

It is understood Customs and police are investigating the matter, as the vessel is being pursued by a defence force patrol boat and intercept it before it crosses our borders.

 

 

Man dies from cholera in Moresby

By ELIZABETH MIAE

 

THE National Capital District (NCD) has reported its first death from cholera for the New Year as the spread of the disease in the city becomes more serious, The National reports.

The latest casualty brings the total number of deaths in NCD to five since the outbreak last May.

When cholera first broke out in the city last year, it claimed three lives from Elevala and one from Tatana villages.

NCD cholera task force leader Dr Timothy Pyakalyia said that the victim who died last Thursday was a male adult who suffered from a kidney disease.

He said as of yesterday morning the number of admissions at the Port Moresby General Hospital’s (PMGH) cholera treatment centre (CTC) stood at 130, adding that these were people with severe diarrhoea.

Pyakalyia said confirmed test results from the Central Public Health Laboratory showed that cholera was present in 24 locations in the city or otherwise widespread.

He said out of 1,436 people (from NCD and Central) who were admitted to the CTCs at the PMGH and St John Hospital in Gerehu, only three deaths were reported.

Pyakalyia highlighted that the medical assistance given by staff at the CTCs and the oral re-hydration points had saved a lot of people’s lives.

He added that cholera was capable of killing many people within hours however it was managed and control very well which resulted in the case fertility rate for NCD below 1%.

While the medical side of things is moving effectively, the spread of the disease was another problem that health authorities are struggling to control.

Pyakalyia told The National that the spread was not only due to the Christmas and New Year celebrations but other factors also.

These factors include poor hygiene practice and sanitation.

He further added that if the trend continued to worsen they would consider opening another CTC in the city.

However, Pyakalyia was most concerned that adults were falling victims to the disease.

 

 

'Garden rice' lifts local grain supplies

By BOSORINA ROBBY

 

Eastern Highlands, Enga, Central, Morobe, East New Britain and West and East Sepik provinces are now actively producing rice, thus boosting the grain’s supply in the country, The National reports.

This became possible after these areas have been involved by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in rice production for consumption and as source of additional income for the rice farming families.

This initiative by the government to increase emphasis on locally produced foodstuff is aimed at addressing the issue of food security in the country.

The ICCC Rice Industry review 2010 noted that rice could be used to address this as it could be grown and harvested three times a year.

When properly milled, treated and stored, the grain could last up to three years, the review said.

Known as “garden rice”, locally grown and milled rice is being sold in open markets and trade stores-wholesalers in some rural areas.

The review also said that production estimates received by ICCC on garden rice has averaged 10,000 metric tonnes (mt) per year since 2006.

Further consultations suggested that this number may have significantly increased in recent years with rice farming training and extension programmes being run by the DAL, and aid agencies and church-NGO groups, through a range of provincial agricultural divisions.

This trend is expected to continue, with DAL aiming to increase annual domestic production to 60,000mt by 2016.

ICCC forecasts that the increase in production and sale of garden rice has the potential to become a significant component of the formal market.