Aceria (Eriophyes) Guerreronis, an important pest of African and American coconut groves

Aceria guerreronis which does not exceed 250 microns in length, lives within the shelter of the floral parts of the coconuts during the first month following pollination. In destroying the young tissues, the mite prevents the nut from developing normally, leading to a decrease in copra which can reach up to 25% and a generally reduced fruit fall. The different varieties of coconut palm do not react in the same way to the attacks, the Yellow Dwarf being more sensitive than the West African Tall and the Cambodia variety being seldom attacked. Chemical methods have proved effective, as for instance with cyhexatin, chinomethionate, and monocrotophos. The application of monocrotophos at 0.04% reduced losses by 90%. But these treatments should be given very frequently (6 treatments per year), and hence it cannot be recommended. The development of more economical control methods has been considered. In this, the points to be considered are: utilization of potential mite diseases which could be identified in the natural state, control with predatory mites, and application of specific planting methods. (Résumé d'auteur