December 2010. Coconuts from the island of K. Thulusdhoo (Male’ Atoll, Maldives). Similar symptoms occur elsewhere in the country.

Members thought that symptoms were similar to those of the Coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis. If it is
confirmed, it is a first record for the mite on the Maldives and requires quick action to decide whether eradication should be attempted or another form of control. If biological control is the method of choice, contact Sri Lanka and/or India for advice.

Here is what is already on Pestnet: There is a summary of members’ comments on this mite and control strategies at: http://www.pestnet.org/Summaries/Pests/PestsEntities/InsectsSpidersbrScorpionsMites/Mites/Aceriacoconut2India

There have been other contributions which can be found at:

http://www.pestnet.org/Summaries/Crops/Plantationcrops/Coconutoilpalm/Mites/AceriaTahiti

and

http://www.pestnet.org/Summaries/Crops/Plantationcrops/Coconutoilpalm/Mites/AceriaEriophyesguerreronis.

A member from El Salvador said that in that country, Abamectin and Sulphur is used every 8 days during the first month to break the life cycle. Later, another but unrelated chemical is used to spray the trees.