Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Roger Clarke (centre), addresses a press conference held yesterday at his Hope Gardens, St. Andrew offices, on the detection of the pink hibiscus mealy bug in the country. Looking on are Don McGlashan (right), chief technical director in the ministry, and Dr. Lisa Myers, chief plant protection officer in the ministry. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is employing biological control methods to contain the pink hibiscus mealy bug that was detected in Portland last month.

Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke, addressing a press conference held yesterday at his Hope Gardens office in St. Andrew, said his ministry's Plant Protection Unit has been working with the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to source the natural enemy, the parasitoid wasp (Anagyrus kamali), to control and further eradicate the pest.

"Additionally, we have obtained permits for the importation of these natural enemies," Mr. Clarke said.

At least a year's supply of the wasp will be imported into the country for release in the affected area on a monthly basis.

Dr. Lisa Myers, chief plant protection officer, said the ministry was hoping the shipment of wasp would be in the country by the end of July.

This pink hibiscus mealy bug is a potential threat to Jamaica's agricultural sector, given that it feeds on more than 300 plant species, such as vegetable crops, ornamental plants - especially hibiscus - as well as a variety of trees, including blue mahoe, teak and guango.

The detection of the bug was brought to the attention of the ministry by a homeowner in Portland. The pest has been identified in Commodore and Manchioneal in the parish.

Portland survey

Extension officers attached to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority and plant protection and plant quarantine personnel conducted a survey in Portland between June 14 and 25.

"The results of the survey showed that the infestation was confined to some 8.5 square kilometres and is still contained within the parish," Mr. Clarke said.

The minister was unable to definitively state how the dangerous pest arrived in the country.

"A lot of reasons could have contributed, it could have been by air (wind), shipment; and we must remember that, though we have our quarantine system, people still smuggle in items, even in their luggage," he said.

Since the detection of the pest, plant shipments for export must now be inspected.

Mr. Clarke also said the movement of plants and planting material from the affected areas is not recommended.

For information or assistance in detecting the pink hibiscus mealy bug persons may call: 1-888-991-5100.

Pink mealy bug

A very small, soft-bodied insect. Adult females are egg-shaped and wingless, about the size of one to two pinheads, and pink or grey in colour, and usually covered with a white, fluffy wax. Found on stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and even on root in soil. Adult males are longer and slender, with wings and two thin tail-like growths.