Dominica Confirms Lethal Yellowing Disease Threatening Coconut Palms

ROSEAU, Dominica – The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of Lethal Yellowing Disease in the country, raising concerns about the potential impact on Dominica’s coconut industry.

In a statement, the ministry said laboratory tests conducted by the University of Florida last month, verified the presence of the disease following samples taken from coconut palms in the Woodford Hill area in the northeast of the island.

 The testing was coordinated by the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit of the Division of Agriculture.

Lethal Yellowing is a highly destructive disease that affects coconut and ornamental palm trees. It is spread by the plant hopper insect known as Myndus crudus and can cause infected coconut palms to die within three to six months. 

The disease has previously caused major economic losses in several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cuba, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda and Guadeloupe.

Authorities said an emergency action plan has been activated, including a localized eradication and management programme in the Woodford Hill area, which has been designated a restricted “red zone”.

Measures being implemented include increased monitoring of coconut palms in affected communities, destruction of infected or suspected trees, and restrictions on the movement of coconut planting materials from the area.

The ministry is also engaging farmers, vendors, traders, agro-processors and community leaders, while launching public awareness campaigns to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Members of the public are being urged to report signs of the disease, including premature nut drop, blackening of the inflorescence and loss of the crown of coconut trees, to their nearest agricultural office.

Officials say early detection and rapid response will be critical to containing and eventually eliminating the disease from the island.

The ministry said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as response efforts continue.