Bract arrangement in the coconut fruit in relation to attack by the Coconut Mite Eriophyes guerreronis Keifer

Abstract

The arrangement of the bracts3 of growing coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.) influences the pattern of attack by the Coconut Mite (Eriophyes guerreronis Keifer). Mite attack was worse where the bract was less tightly adpressed to the nut and where bracts overlapped each other. This suggests the view that physical space is of importance for Coconut Mite infestations to become established. The tightness of adpression may be an advantageous characteristic to select for when replanting.