CURRENT STATUS OF MAJOR INSECT PESTS ON SOME FOOD CROPS IN THE COMMONWEALTH CARIBBEAN

The production of cabbage, carrot, onion, pigeon pea and sweet potato in Barbados, St. Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago is reviewed. Major insect pests, their control and distribution are recognised with regard to the CARIFTA/CARICOM region and inter-regional trade. Problems associated with these pests are discussed covering susceptibility of the plants and pests, resistance of the pests to insecticides and assessment of economic damage. Suggestions are made for multidisciplinary research in pest control by plant breeders, other biological scientists, physical scientists, engineers, nutritionists and economists to follow the entire plant cycle including harvest and post-harvest stages