Report on the mission to Trinidad from 18 to 25 november 2006

The most crucial problem in Trinidad's coconut plantations is currently the Red Palm Mite, which is, at least in the driest zones of the island, a threat that could lead to the disappearance of the crop. An active, on-site research programme with the participation of international specialists seems essential. The only solution will be to develop biological control by breeding native or introduced beneficial mites and ladybirds. Whilst not affecting old plantations, the Red Ring problem is very seriously jeopardizing the future of commercial plantations by destroying young replantings. The only solution will be to abandon the current mechanical upkeep practices, which scorn well-known preventive measures, doing everything possible to avoid wounding young palms as much as possible, and systematically eliminating affected plants, which are sources of vector and pathogen infestation. The problem of the other mite Eriophyes guerreronis remains substantial. There is no efficient and cost-effective solution apart from using less susceptible varieties. For many years, the Hartrot problem seems to have considerably lessened, but it can flare up at any moment. There are no resistant varieties and only chemical control is possible, but difficult to implement even in a commercial plantation. There is no Lethal Yellowing in Trinidad, but the only known vector of the disease, Myndus crudus, does exist, notably in small plantations. It is essential to do everything possible to avoid the risk of accidental introduction by banning and effectively preventing any introduction of propitious plant material (plants and seedlings of grasses and palms) from places where this extremely serious disease is rife. The coconut plantations in Trinidad are ageing and they need to be renewed to perpetuate the supply chain. They come up against two types of obstacles: the difficulties encountered during replanting (Rhynchophorus/Red Ring) and phytosanitary risks that prevent improved planting material imports (Lethal Yellowing). It is absolutely essential to remove the first obstacle. The second obstacle lies behind the extreme reticence of the plant protection services to import planting material. This ban is perfectly justified, where risk countries are involved, but nothing in principle prevents imports of new varieties from countries free of Lethal Yellowing. Such varieties could, in reality, reduce the risks of a catastrophic spread in the event of an epidemic in Trinidad, by increasing the genetic diversity available. (Résumé d'auteur