What is killing the baobab trees in Oman?

The baobab trees in Oman are being killed by an infestation of the mango stem-borer beetle, a species previously known to damage fruit trees.

How many baobab trees have been affected by the beetle in Oman?

Six baobab trees have died as a result of the beetle infestation, with an additional 12 trees found to be infested by the beetle's larvae.

What are the proposed solutions to prevent the beetle from spreading to Africa?

Preventing the beetle's spread to Africa involves developing biological control methods, enhancing biosecurity inspections at ports and borders, and fostering collaboration among research institutions and industries.

Home / Science / Oman's Baobabs Fall to New Beetle Threat

Oman's Baobabs Fall to New Beetle Threat

25 Feb

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Summary

A new beetle species is killing ancient baobab trees in Oman.
Six baobabs have died, and 12 more are infested by the beetle.
Preventing spread to Africa requires urgent biosecurity measures.

Oman's Baobabs Fall to New Beetle Threat

Ancient baobab trees, known for their remarkable resilience, are succumbing to a new threat in Oman: the mango stem-borer beetle. For the first time, an insect has been documented killing adult baobab trees, with six trees confirmed dead and 12 others infested. This alarming discovery was made by researchers investigating the impact of the beetle on the baobab population in Oman, where these trees were introduced over 1,500 years ago.

The mango stem-borer, native to Southeast Asia, has a life cycle that allows its larvae to tunnel through baobabs for nearly a year, weakening them from within until they collapse. Efforts in Oman to control the outbreak using insecticides and manual removal are labor-intensive and only feasible on a small scale. Scientists stress the urgent need to develop biological control methods and bolster biosecurity at African ports and borders.