Resistance of coconuts in St Lucia to attack by the coconut mite Eriophyes guerreronis Keifer

Abstract

Coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.) attacked by the coconut mite (Eriophyes guerreronis Keifer) in St Lucia showed a range of attack; some trees were very susceptible while others were relatively resistant. Two easily noted features, rounded nuts and dark green nuts, were associated with less attack than occurred on other nuts. There appear to be good possibilities of selecting mite-resistant and productive trees from within the coconut population of St Lucia, and the use of resistant cultivars is a promising method of management of the pest.