The problem of the coconut mite (Eriophyes guerreronis) Keifer in the coconut groves of Trinidad and Tobago
1985
Griffith, R. (Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Food Production (Trinidad and Tobago))
Reviews the serious damage caused by the coconut mite, Eriophyes guerreronis (Keifer), to the coconut industry in Trinidad and Tobago and compares the movement of the pest in Trinidad with St. Vincent and St. Lucia. It was first observed in coconut groves on the leeward sides of the islands and progressed to the windward sides. The female flower on the inflorescence is attacked first and the mites then multiply and inhabit the calyx of the developing fruit. Preliminary experiments showed the mites can be dispersed by wind from the infested fruit to female flower within the coconut grove from grove to grove, or from country to country. During the wet season, the mite population is at its lowest. Control can be achieved by removal of older infected nuts and the injection of the trunks of the trees with 100 ml of the systemic acaricide, vamidothion, applied in 2 doses, 7 days apart using a 7/8 inches anger to a depth of 4-6". Permanent control can be attained if such programmes are carried out at the end of the rainy season. A 5-month period from treatment to harvest is required for the fruits to be free of all pesticide residues
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