First report of Raoiella indica in Florida (US)
In the USA, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae – EPPO Alert List) was detected for the first time in Palm Beach county, Florida, in December 2007. It was found on a coconut palm tree (Cocos nucifera) at a medical facility in Palm Beach Gardens. This is the first confirmed report of this palm pest in the USA. It is noted that in 2007, R. indica has also been detected in the US Virgin Islands (see EPPO RS 2007/187), Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica and Venezuela (all new country records).
The pest status of Raoiella indica in the USA is officially declared as follows: Transient, actionable, and under surveillance.
Sources
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (US). Press Release of 2007-12-05. Red palm mite infestation identified in palm gardens. http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/press/2007/12052007_2.html
NAPPO Phytosanitary Alert System – Official Pest Reports (2007-12-14) Detections of Red Palm Mite (Raoiella indica) in Palm Beach County, Florida - United States. http://www.pestalert.org/oprDetail.cfm?oprID=302