THE Ministry of Agriculture yesterday reported that the Red Palm mite, a pest which affects coconuts, bananas, plantains and ornamental palms, has been detected in four parishes across the island.

A preliminary survey conducted by the Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine Units identified the mite in St Thomas, St Catherine, Kingston and St Andrew.

The ministry said a more detailed survey was being conducted by the Coconut Industry Board, with assistance from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

In a release yesterday, the agriculture ministry said it has since taken steps to control the spread of the pest by inspecting nurseries as well as training plant quarantine officers in the detection of the mite.

Based on the presence of the Red Palm mite in Jamaica, United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) requires that the following measures be implemented when exporting certain commodities into the United States.

Among the requirements are that cargo of cut flowers and ornamentals such as heliconias, ginger lilies, and host leaves such as banana and palm will need to have phytosanitary certificates.

At the same time, shipments of dried coconuts for planting (coconut seed) must be fumigated, while handicraft, including baskets, rugs, mats, flowers, and hats, will be prohibited in passenger’s luggage.

In addition, shipments of untreated nursery stock and dried coconuts for planting will only be accepted at designated plant protection and quarantine Inspection (PPQ) stations in the US, where increased inspection procedures will also be put in place.

Also, shipments of treated stock and dried coconuts for planting will be accepted at any US port with a PPQ station.

The public was advised to be on the lookout for yellow spots or totally discoloured palm or coconut leaves, as well as reddish brown areas, which indicate mite clusters, and to report any suspected cases to the nearest RADA office, the Plant Protection Unit or the Plant Quarantine Unit.