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Coconut Mite Damage


Figure 1. Coconut mite damage on fruits of coconut. Photo by T.K. Broschat.
Figure 1. Coconut mite damage on fruits of coconut. Photo by T.K. Broschat.

Symptoms

Young and developing coconuts display superficial bands of varying widths of longitudinally-striated necroticnecrotic:
see necrosis
tissue about the circumference of the nuts (Fig. 1). Nuts may also be reduced in size and may have circumferential constrictions and other malformations. These mites do not cause any damage to leaf tissue.

May be confused with

Nothing causes symptoms similar to those of coconut mites.

Cause

These nut symptoms are caused by feeding of coconut mites (Aceria guerreronis), an eriophyid mite.

Occurrence

The coconut mite is native to Mexico but is also found in many parts of tropical America and Africa. Within the United States, it is found wherever coconut palms are grown in Florida.



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