Further spread of Maconellicoccus hirsutus in the Caribbean
Since EPPO RS 95/235, 96/028 and 96/207, further introductions of Maconellicoccus hirsutus, the pink hibiscus mealybug, have been reported from the Caribbean in the following islands and countries: British Virgin Islands (May 1997), Guyana (April 1997), Netherlands Antilles (Curaçao in June 1997, Sint Eustatius in May 1997), United States Virgin Islands (Saint Thomas in May 1997), St Vincent and the Grenadines (May 1997). Unconfirmed reports have been made from Anguilla. Programmes of biological control are being implemented in this region to prevent any further spread.
The distribution of this pest in the Caribbean region, is now the following:
Caribbean: Anguilla (unconfirmed), British Virgin Islands, Grenada (including Carriacou and Petit Martinique), Guyana, Netherlands Antilles (Curaçao, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten), St Kitts ; Nevis (both islands), Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad ; Tobago (both islands), United States Virgin Islands (Saint Thomas).
Sources
Pollard, G.V. (1997) Pink mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus.
CPPC Circular Letter, no. 1/97, 1st June 1997. FAO Sub Regional Office for the Caribbean, Barbados.