voy am te page” it de. pacaaall we iebh ok eersteafm titel a omic developng the homeussing other elopments to > prospective at time, the not declared eading. as pointed up idministrative uments which ient’s hometo compound destroy the ind resources ‘ the people. rogram does : wise use of ind improveation of the uance of all ge and agri-h are part of plan or an village comtram. Master is in its final ustration is ilementation ecommenda- ty islands in 1ds Districts iS serious, eral is nota the larger 2? areas of tlement on for future time sup- lation than ‘ants. Even e exaggera- nt popula- plant pathologist supervise the quar- tion figures have not yet reachedlevels anune program and insect pest and of pre-European times. Perhaps the most dramatic example of population decline can be found in Yap where the present population of 6,870 is only a plant disease control programs of the Terntory. During the year, a complete revision of the Trust Territory pliant and animal quarantine regulations was fraction of the estimated pre-European population. Similar examples can be given for Ponape, estimated at one time to have had 35,000, almost double its present population, and for the Mariana Islands and Palau. In Ponape, on Babelthuap Island of Palau, and in Yap, scores of deserted village sites can be seen. accomplished to keep them current with program and territorial develop- ment. Plant quarantine regulations to control accidental introduction or spread of piant insect pests and diseases are in ettect. All districts have several agri- similar breadfruit disease reports have come from Jaluit Atoll, Kili Island, Ebon Atoll, and Namorik Atoll in the Marshalls, Ponape District islands; Mortlock Islands in Truk; YapIslands: Guamand Saipan. The disease is a ‘“‘die back” type with uppermost branches being affected first, quickly resulting in complete death of the tree. The coconut rhinoceros beetle remains the most serious agricultural pest threatening the Territory’s economy, although it has been con- fined to the Palau District. Controls by plant quarantine procedures and techniques. The aim of these courses is Sanitation and biological means have been in use for several years and have reduced the beetle population in Palau; nevertheless, the coconut palms there stili suffer considerable damage. Typhoons in Palau during recent years have increased this pest’s breeding grounds—debris and fallen coconut palms. The Territory participates in the South Pacific Commission Rhinoceros Beetle Control Project. out thetr duties in controlling immigrant: pests which endanger the agri- The melon fly (Dacus cucurbitae) has been a serious insect pest of the and other flora tend to protect the soit Plant diseases have caused serious from erosion. Severe damage occasionally occurs as in the disastrous E problems in the Territory. A disease typhoon of 1958 which denuded parts ‘B broke out on cacao trees at Ponape f and Truk in 1962. It was later idenof Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands tificd as a fungus (Phytopthora District, of top soil and drastically # palmivora changed the configuration of certain and was arrested by 4% completely cutting out and burning islandsin this atoll. 4B seriously infected trees. A cont inuing "E Preventive program is required to Soil fertility is sufficient for the hold . . ; . @the disease in check. subsistence farming that is practiced. n check fly eradication program was in effect Erosion cultural quarantine inspectors who conduct inspections of incoming Erosion is an ever-present problem in the high islands where heavy rainfall prevails. Lumbering operations and intensified agricultural methods of past administrations stripped certain planes and surface vessels. During the past 4 years, 26 quarantine inspectors from the Territory areas of protective forest cover. “Slash and burn”agricultural techniques used on hillsides by indigenous inhabitants plus accidental fires during dry periods also have aggravated erosion condi- tions. have attended East-West Centersponsored, 3-month training courses in to train inspectors to properly carry E ; cultural economy. On the coral atolls coconut palm Where intensified cropping is insti- JF The staff plant Pathologist, aided tuted, however, soil amendments must , E by consultants from the Universities of be provided to sustain continuous @@ Hawaii and California, South Pacific productive yields. Plant and Animal Pests and Diseases 4 Commission, and Food and Agri@ culture Organization, is cont inuing to Ym iMvestigate a serious brea dfruit dise ase, Onvinally reported f, Under the Director of Agriculture, A@® i -& ’ “in Pona¥pe repDistrict.romSj Pingelap Atoll the staff entomologist i and the staff Bf pe a Fiscal Year Part VI~-Economic Advanc ement ‘ff a District. Since that time 19 Marianas. From 1964 to 1967, a fruit in Saipan, Tinian, Agrihan and Rota, using the sterile-fly technique and the male annihilation method. Complete eradication of this fruit fly was completed in 1967. The African snail continues to be a major pest in Ponape, Truk, Palau, and the Marianas, inhibiting commercial and subsistence vegetable CIop production andresulting in low economic returns and a decline in farmer initiative. Agricultural Products Except in the Mariana Islands District, the principal commercial agricultural product of the Territory is 59 1908 Frygecagpeieien <p Ree tee ee ntenete aee ey mara EE SA RE = MRR a ogUa 7