In recent years, many farmers and landowners in Vanuatu have struggled with a thorny, aggressive weed called prickly solanum (Solanum torvum). This invasive plant forms dense thickets on pasture land, pushing out grasses and making it hard for cattle and goats to graze. Clearing it manually is painful (literally, because of the spines) and expensive, while herbicides are costly and not environmentally friendly.

In 2024, Vanuatu took a new step by introducing a tiny hero: the pico beetle.

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What Is the Pico Beetle?

The pico beetle (Lema decempunctata) is a small, spotted, leaf-eating beetle released as a biological control agent to manage prickly solanum. This means it eats the leaves of the weed, reducing its ability to grow and produce seeds, and over time, helps bring the weed under control.

Here’s why it matters:
✅ It feeds specifically on prickly solanum, leaving most other plants untouched.
✅ It reduces the weed naturally, without the need for repeated herbicide spraying.
✅ It supports the restoration of pasture lands for livestock, improving grazing opportunities for farmers.

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Does It Affect Other Crops or Flowers?

Many farmers worry about the beetle eating their crops or flowers, but testing done before the release confirmed that the pico beetle is host-specific. It feeds on Solanum torvum and a few close relatives in the Solanum family, but:

✅ It does not harm key crops like taro, yam, cassava, or kava.
✅ It does not damage most flowers, native trees, or non-related plants.
✅ It may nibble on eggplants or tomatoes if there is a beetle surge, but damage is minimal and temporary.

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What If Pico Beetle Populations Get Too Big?

Normally, the beetle population controls itself:

• As it reduces prickly solanum, its main food source, its own numbers naturally decline.
• Birds and other natural predators also help keep populations stable.

However, if beetle numbers remain high:
✅ Monitor your gardens: Check for actual damage.
✅ Handpick beetles or use yellow sticky traps in small areas.
✅ Use insecticidal soap or neem spray only as a last resort on affected Solanum crops.

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Why It Matters for Vanuatu

By using the pico beetle, Vanuatu is taking a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach to control invasive weeds and protect the livelihoods of farmers and livestock owners. Instead of fighting prickly solanum endlessly, the pico beetle provides a long-term solution, helping restore overrun lands while avoiding heavy chemical use.

This is part of ongoing efforts to protect Vanuatu’s environment, support agriculture, and strengthen our resilience against invasive species.

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If you spot pico beetles or want to learn more about monitoring their impact, reach out to the Department of Biosecurity or your local agriculture office.

Together, we can protect our lands, one beetle at a time.