THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE'S entomology arm will receive additional support next month when five scientists from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) join forces with their local counterparts.

The scientists, who will be in the island for about two weeks, will be collaborating with local entomologists on work involving the control of the Chilli Thrips, West Indian Fruit Fly and the Giant African Snail.

Entomologist Ian Gibbs said the relationship had been ongoing and had accrued to mutual benefits for both parties.

"We have had good co-operation over the past few years, and in my opinion it is a good thing because both of us benefit.

"We get to share technology, we get the use of their expertise and, from our end, they get information on how to control the pests.

"Of the packages that they develop here, the technology can be directly transferred to the farmers. They can do the same in the United States, so it is a win-win situation," he explained. (BGIS)