from insect decimation.

Entomologists at the plant protection unit are currently carrying out detailed research into the species, which might be the answer to some farmers and gardeners' prayers.

It is thought the predator can affect every type of caterpillar found on the Island -- meaning crops such as cabbage could see yields increase without the emergence of side-effects on the plants themselves.

Outgoing senior plant protection officer, Dr. Jeffrey Jones, said scientist Claire Jessey had been working on the scheme for some time and he hoped it would soon come to fruition.

"I would think we have done quite a lot of work on it, it is a good candidate for success,'' said Dr. Jones, who left the department for a new post in Italy last week.

"This could have a major impact on farmers who have problems with their crops.'' The project is just one of many the department, based at the Botanical Gardens, is working on at present. There are plans -- if research work goes well -- to initiate a major release programme of the predator within the next 18 months.

A recent success for the department has been the introduction of a predator for the Mealybug, which attacks plants such as Sago Palms and cabbages.

INSECTS INS