The red palm mite (RPM) is the most important pest from an economic standpoint and is rampant in high populations in most Caribbean countries. It is an invasive alien species that entered the Caribbean region in 2004.

The mites are dispersed by wind as well as on infested plants or plant material. Damage to coconuts from RPM can result in a 70% yield reduction and possibly to job losses leading to major socio-economic problems for some Caribbean islands.

Although there is a good knowledge base in the region, there is a lack of farmer awareness. The RPM can be identified by its bright red colour and all stages including the eggs are red.

The adult females have black patches on their backs after feeding and grow to a length of 0.32 mm and a width of 0.22 mm. The RPM forms colonies on the undersides of leaves and causes damage by feeding through the stomata on the underside of the lamina damaging guard cells.

Mites can be detected on infected plants by rubbing a finger on the underside of leaves. This action gives a reddish–brown discoloration on the fingers. Population levels of the RPM increase during the dry season with long hours of sunshine while high rainfall and relative humidity contribute to reduced populations.

High RPM infestations lead to uncontrolled water loss in the plant through transpiration. This leads to yellowing, necrosis and death of infested leaves. Severe RPM infestation leads to fruit drop, aborted inflorescences, loss of vitality and significant yield reduction.

Integrated management strategy for suppression of red palm mite

There are no means presently available to efficiently manage RPM. Approaches to effectively manage include utilisation of good agricultural practices such as fertiliser application, irrigation and weed control to reduce competition for water and nutrients. Trees that are in good health and receiving adequate quantities of water and nutrients are generally better able to resist pest and disease.

Severely infested leaves including dried leaves should be removed and destroyed. The use of bio-rationals/eco-friendly acaricides such as neem formulations have assisted in reducing populations of RPM but is only practicable on seedlings and short trees (less than 4 m tall).

Banana and plantain plants are alternate hosts to RPM. Consequently, regular detrashing of these species when intercropped with coconut is required to reduce RPM populations.

In Guyana, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has been advocating cultural practices which involves proper field sanitation. All coconut husks and fallen branches will be removed from the fields and burns since these materials provide adequate breeding ground for the mite. Fields will be kept weed free.

Only in case of severe infestation of major insect pests such as the RPM chemical control is advisable. Methods such as root feeding, soil drenching, injection and spraying will be utilized for application of pesticide.

NAREI is currently conducting research in the area of biological control. Natural enemies such as the Ambyseius spp, green lacewing and others will be used fort eh control of the pest in the field.