The Entomology Section of PNGOPRA deals with pest issues of the oil palm industry within the country. It conducts applied research into understanding the biology and ecology of pests and their natural enemies, and the evaluation of different control options to be used in alleviating pest issues. Apart from the research activities, the section also conducts pest infestation surveys and provides control recommendations to the industry. Whenever required, it provides training to the industry where it disseminates technical information on the efficient pest monitoring approaches and the best pest management practices. It also routinely monitors the pollinating weevil populations (the million dollar beneficial insect of the industry) within the milling company plantations and the smallholder blocks.
The key pests of oil palm in PNG that the section deals with include sexavae (longhorn grasshoppers), stick insects and coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (CRB). There are also sporadic pests which are encountered occasionally and these include bagworms, rats, taro beetle, Melanesian rhinoceros beetle, larger coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes centaurus) coconut flat moth (CFM), grasshoppers, Zophiuma spp. (causal agent of Finschafen Disorder), web worm and weevil beetles. Occurrences of sporadic pests are usually localized.
Apart from pests, the section also conducts research into invasive weed species often in collaboration with other research organisations. Where available, it maintains biological agents of some the weeds and distributes them to infested areas free of natural enemies.