Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Click here to go back Details of this species in Grand Cayman Status: Alien Invasiveness: Invasive Occurrence: Established Source: NAPPO, 2006; Varnham, 2006 Arrival Date: 2006 Introduction: Unknown Species Notes for this Location: Specimens collected from George Town, Grand Cayman were identified as Maconellicoccus hirsutus in June, 2006 after 12 years of monitoring (Varnham, 2006). There are no natural predators of M. hirsutus in the Cayman Islands and as such, it poses a threat to a myriad of plant species in the area such as: hibiscus, citrus, coconut, avocado, carambola, grape, guava, mango, cotton, soybean, sugarcane, certain forest trees, various vegetable crops, and numerous types of ornamentals (NAPPO, 2006). Likely to have been introduced through landscaping, M. hirsutus is now widespread throughout Grand Cayman (Varnham, 2006). Management Notes for this Location: As conventional chemical control measures have proven ineffective in controlling Maconellicoccus hirsutus, the local Department of Agriculture has launched an integrated pest management plan and is working diligently to delineate the situation, raise public awareness and work towards eradication (NAPPO, 2006) with biological control employed on detection (Varnham, 2006). However, M. hirsutus has so far remained persistent in the area, requiring ongoing control efforts (Varnham, 2006). Notice of new sources of potentially infested plant material is critical in keeping new introductions and spread of M. hirsutus at bay (NAPPO, 2006). Location Notes: Impacts: Economic/Livelihoods: Maconellicoccus hirsutus poses a threat to a myriad of plant species in the area such as: hibiscus, citrus, coconut, avocado, carambola, grape, guava, mango, cotton, soybean, sugarcane, certain forest trees, various vegetable crops, and numerous types of ornamentals (NAPPO, 2006). Last Modified: 1/10/2010 1:19:13 p.m.