EVALUATION OF TREE DISEASE AND INSECT PESTS IN 
PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, 1982 
Steven W Oak and Patrick J. Barry!/ 
Acknowledgement is made of the contribution of Amy Rossman and Lloyd 
Knutson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville. Maryland. for their 
assistance in fungus culture and insect identification, respectively. Thanks 
also to Juan MunozÒ Forest Supervisor, Caribbean National Forest, and J. A. 
Zambrana, USDA Forest Service, State and Private ForestryÓ Rio Piedras, Puerto 
Rico, for their excellent hospitality and invaluable assistance in the planning 
and execution of this evaluation. A list of other cooperators, without whom 
this evaluation could not have been done, appears in the appendix. 
1/ Plant Pathologist and Entomologist, respectively, USDA Forest Service, 
Ôoutheastern Area, State and Private Forestry, Forest Pest Management, 
Asheville, North Carolina. 
INTRODUCTION 
NURSERIES 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Canker-Ambrosia Beetle Complex (Figure 1) 
Post Emergence Damping-Off (Figure 2) 
Sour Orange Scab (Figure 3) 
Leaf Spots and Foliage Blight (Figure 4) 
Mahogany Shoot Borer (Figure 5) 
Sugar Cane Root Stalk Borer Weevil (Vaquita) (Figure 6) 
Leafhoppers (Figure 7) 
Aphids and Scale Insects (Figure 8 a & b) 
Other Conditions 
Seed quality 
Soil fertility 
Drought 
Mycorrhizae 
Pesticides 
Page 
1 
1 
3 
4 
6 
8 
9 
11 
12 
14 
13 
Table 1.--Nursery pests evaluated in public nurseries in Puerto 
16 
Rico, 1982. 
Table 2.--Pests of ornamentals in U.S.V.I. private nurseries. 
18 
FORESTS 
19 
Pine Damage 
19 
Spider mites (Figure 9 a & b) 
20 
Basal resinosis (Figure 10 a & b) 
21 
Competition (Figure 11) 
22 
Teak Damage 
23 
Canker rot (Figure 12 a, b, & c) 
24 
Mahogany Damage 
25 
Mahogany shoot borer 
25 
URBAN ANO OTHER SITES 
25 
People Pressure Conditions 
25 
Abiotic factors (Figure 13) 
26 
Biotic factors (Figure 14) 
28 
-ii-
TABLE OF CONTENTS (con 1 t) 
FRUIT CROPS 
Mango (Man ifera indica) (Figure 15) 
Papaya 
ar,ca papayay--(Figure 16) 
Cacao (Theobroma cacao) (Figure 17) 
HERBICIDE DAMAGE (Figure 18) 
MISCELLANEOUS URBAN AND SHADE TREE 
Site Selection (Fi`ures 19, 20, & 21) 
Mechanical Damage (Figure 22) 
LITERATURE CITED 
APPENDIX 
-iii-
Page. 
29 
30 
31 
32 
34 
33 
35 
39 
40 
41 
INTRODUCTION 
Evaluation of tree disease and insect pests of Puerto Rico (P.R.) and the 
U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.) was conducted by the authors during the period 
of April 26 through May 5, 1982. Pest conditions in public and private tree 
nurseries, planted forest stands, and ornamental/urban environments in P.R. and 
St. Thomas, St. John, U.S.V.I., were assessed with emphasis on integrated pest 
management techniques to limit damage and subsequent losses. Personnel of 
federal, commonwealth¿ and private forest and resort installations accompanied 
and assisted the authors during their visits to various areas of interest. The 
objectives of this evaluation were to list tree pests observed on the Islands, 
make judgements as to their potential for damage, and provide nursery, forest, 
and urban tree managers with management guidelines. 
Additionally, the authors were invited to present a seminar on tree 
disease and insect pests of P.R. and the U.S.V.I. to the faculty and students 
of the Crop Protection Department of the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, 
P.R. 
This is the sixth disease and insect evaluation of the Islands conducted 
during the past ten years. Evaluations conducted prior to 1972 are listed in 
the first Forest Pest Management Evaluation Report, entitled 11Evaluation of 
Tree Diseases and Insect Pests in Puerto Rico and St. Croix, Virgin Islands, 
197211 by W. R. Phelps and A. E. Landgraf (8). Alt evaluation and condition 
reports conducted by Forest Pest Management after 1972 are listed in the 
Literature Cited section of this report. 
Insect and disease pests observed during this evaluation, along with 
management considerations, are described according to management areas and host 
species. It is important to point out that the roles of some of the fungi 
associated with damaged plants is unknown. 
Without pathogenicity trials, 
causality cannot be assigned. This could not be accomplished under the time 
constraints while on the Islands and the inavailability of host material upon 
return to the mainland. 
Nevertheless, consistant associations were observed. 
Until such trials can be accomplished by plant protection specialists on the 
Islands, consistant associations can help in determining the best methods for 
avoiding losses. 
NURSERIES 
Three public and two privately owned nurseries were evaluated for pest 
conditions. The Catalina Nursery is operated by Caribbean National Forest 
personnel in P.R., with the primary seedling crops being Swietenia macrophylla 
(Honduras mahoganÀ) and a hybrid ofÁ- macrophylla andÂ- Ãahagon1 (West Indies 
mahogany). Seedl1ngs are grown in raised beds for bareroot planting on the 
Caribbean National Forest. The Cambalache and Monterrey Nurseries, operated by 
the Cornnonwealth of P.R., Department of Natural Resources and Department of 
Agriculture, respectively, grow a wide variety of forest trees and ornamentals 
in plastic bag containers for planting on Cornnonwealth owned lands 1 private 
lands under reforestation incentive programs, and for sale to the public. The 
two private nurseries grow many containerized ornamentals for use on the 
islands of St. Thomas and St. John, U.S.V.I. 
-1-
Pest conditions observed in nurseries are summarized in Tables 1 and 2 and 
are discussed individually below. 
Canker-Ambrosia Beetle Complex 
Boring holes caused by an ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus compactus, 
appeared to provide good infection courts for a fungus or fungi, causing termi­
nal dieback on mahogany (Fig. 1) at the Catalina Nursery and a nearby outplantĩ 
ing at Zarzal, Rio Grande, P.R. 
This is the first reported occurrence of X. 
compactus in P.R. (L. Knutson, IJSDA-ARS, Beltsville, Md.). Seedlings may -
develop forks as a result of attack. Associated fungi include Phomopsis spp., 
Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and Botryosphaeria dothidae; all of which are capable 
of inducing tree cankers. especlally on stressed plants of many species (9). 
Ambrosia beetle attacks without associated cankers were not found. 
However, at 
the Monterrey Nursery, similar cankers without beetle attacks were observed. 
Overall incidence at Catalina was low (less than 5%), but pockets of 50 percent 
incidence were seen. 
Barry and Anderson (2) found similar beetle attacks in 
the mahogany-guaraguao understory of a 30 year old mahogany planting near Lake 
Guajataca, P.R., but the extent and appearance of cankers on mahogany seedlings 
is different. Some naturally regenerated seedlings from the Lake Guajataca 
area were transplanted near or on the Caribbean National Forest. 
Management considerations - The possibility that this pest complex was 
introduced from transplanted wildlings from the Lake Guajataca area points out 
the need for care in the movement of plant materials on the Islands. 
Only 
pest-free stock should be moved after careful examination to avoid introducing 
pests to parts of the Islands where they are not yet present. For this reason, 
seedlings currently in nurseries should be closely examined and affected trees 
pruned well below the affected tissue and the prunings destroyed by burning. 
Chemical controls are unavailable and unnecessary if incidence remains low. 
It 
is not known if control of the insect would eliminate the disease. Maintaining 
seedling vigor can assist in minimizing damage caused by many tree pests. 
Post Emergence Damping-off 
The container nurseries evaluated had seedlings of various species exhib­
iting post emergence damping-off or transplant shock mortality. Damage was 
present in germination beds and in small container stock. 
Eucalyptus sp. at 
the Cambalache and Monterrey Nurseries were most severely affected, with large 
(greater than 25 seedlings) disease centers in germination beds and 5-10 
percent of small container· stock killed (Fig. 2). 
Caribbean pine germinants at 
Monterrey were also severely affected. Fusarium solani was associated with 
damping-off in the eucalypt germination beds. This fungus causes damping-off 
in many tree species. Additionally, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, a fungus capable 
of cankering stressed trees, was found 1n assoc1ation w1th a dying hybrid 
mahogany. 
The role of L. theobromae in the tree's death is unknown, since it 
does not normally attacI" new germinated seedlings. 
Management considerations - Soil used in germination beds is collected as 
needed from a nearby alluvial plain and reused for several tree crops. 
It is 
rototilled and treated with Diazinon between seedling crops. Repeated use of 
the same soil allows the buildup of pathogenic micro-organisms, which can cause 
the observed pest condition. Seedlings not killed can be infected at subs}fllp­
tomatic or sublethal levels and may die later. 
Properly applied soil fumigants 
-2-
F,gure l ••Dead ter¹,ºal shoot of aahog-dny dtt»cked oy an ambrostd beetle 
(Xylosandrus COllpactus) at1d colonized by several ,an¼er-<au½i¾ fungi. At 
right 1s d clo\e•UP of a lon91tod1nal \e<tlon of a shoot sh0\l1ng pith-aining 
hab1t of th¿ 1n\ect. tatal1na HurseÀy. taribbe4n Hation6I Forest . 
. 3. 
Figure 2---Damping-off losses ,n germination beds of Eucalyptus sp. Monterrey 
Nursery, Convnonwealth of Puerto Rico. 
(especially methyl bromide-chloropicrin formulations) provide highly effective, 
broad-spectrum control of soil-borne plant pests. However, a shortage of· 
qualified applicators on hand and the hazardous nature of the gas may limit its 
use. 
The destruction of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi is a another drawback. 
Other management practices to be incorporated into an integrated control 
program to limit damping-off losses include: 
1) Remove soil from germination beds after each crop, wash the bed
thoroughly with 10 percent clorox, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. 
Multiple crops may be germinated in the beds before changing soil, if seedlings 
are closely monitored on a regular basis to detect damage. 
2) When damage is detected" remove all diseased and dead seedlings, and a
buffer of healthy appearing seedlings from the beds and destroy them by burning 
or burying. Culled trees should not be composted and used for organic soil 
ammendments or as mulch. Fungal spores and other resistant structures may not 
be killed by the composting process and may later infect susceptible crops 
3) Do not replant containers where seedlings have died. 
If plant patho­
gens are responsible for mortality, inoculum present in soil may infect a 
transplanted healthy seedling, which may later die in the nursery, or worse, 
after distribution to the public. 
If environmental conditions (e.g., drought, 
mechanical damage) are the suspected cause, empty containers should be replant­
ed only with the greatest caution and after removing all dead plant parts. 
Pathogens present in the soil may infect stressed or dying tissue. 
Therefore, 
soil from empty containers should not be re-used without fumigation. 
Successful control of organisms causing damping-off reduces losses and 
helps to provide pest-free stock to the public. 
Sour Orange Scab 
Virtually all -Of the citrus stock (variety unknown) evaluated at the 
Monterrey Nursery was severely infected by the sour orange scab fungus (Elsinoe 
fawcetti). This fungus causes raised, corky lesions on the stem, leaves, and 
fruit of many varieties of citrus (Fig. 3). 
Variation in susceptibility among 
citrus families is great. 
Susceptible varieties include grapefruit (10), 
tangelo, common lemon, and sour orange (11). 
Intermediately susceptible 
varieties include tangerine and sweet lemon (11). 
Elsinoe fawcetti caused 
considerable economic loss when grapefruit was grown 1n P.R. as an export crop 
(10). 
Young lesions first appear as watersoaked, translucent areas and develop 
into raised, corky protuberances. 
When found on leaves, the protuberance is 
usually on one side only. Succulent tissue is most easily colonized; when 
newly formed fruits are severely infected, they may not enlarge (11). Older, 
infected tissue is a source of inoculum for future infections. 
Similar symptoms have been observed on sweet orange varieties on homeowner 
properties near San Juan, P.R. (J. A. Zambrana, personal communication). 
It is 
unknown if the cause is E. fawcetti or the sweet orange scab fungus, Elsinoe 
australis. 
Because of tne greater corrrnercial importance of sweet oranges, E.
austra11s is considered a more troublesome problem in other citrus producing 
areas; e.g ... Florida. 
-5-
• 
Figure 3.--Sour orange scab. caused by Elsinoe fawcett1, results in raised, 
corky lesions on leaves and, when severe, on stemsaridfruit of some citrus 
var1eties. 
Monterrey Nursery, Corrrnonwealth of Puerto Rico. 
-6-
Management considerations - A preventive spray program can be initiated 
with copper sprays (e.g., Bordeaux mixture in early spring [6]), but this must 
be supported by a vigorous sanitation program (collecting and destroying 
affected plant parts on a timely basis). Additionally, disease-free root stock 
and scion materials should be used when grafting, and affected plants should 
not be shipped. 
Plant pest regulatory personnel on the Islands should be contacted if the 
disease is found, so that timely sanitation and control can be initiated. 
Leaf Spots and Foliage Blight 
Leaf diseases were convnon in all nurseries and on a variety of trees, 
including mahogany, mahoe (Hibiscus elatus), and Eucalyptus sp. A warm, hllflid, 
tropical climate is conducive to the development of leaf diseases. 
Colletotrichum orbiculare was convnonly associated with leaf spots on 
mahogany species (Fig. 4), as well as herbaceous flowers and ornamentals. A
Phoma sp. was recovered from damaged mahoe leaves, and a thread blight fungus 
, (Corticium sp.) was found growing on leaves of plants in the shade at
Monterrey. Damaged eucalyptus foliage had Phoma sp. and Chaetomella raphingena 
associated. 
Management considerations - Leaf spots can cause damage by; 
1) reducing or eliminating the photosynthetic area of the plant,
2) continuing to grow through the leaf tissue and petiole to the stem,
causing a stem or branch canker, or 
3) reducing tree vigor to the point where secondary pests can attack
stressed root systems, stems, or leaves. 
Since most foliage pathogens are favored by moist, cool conditions, control can 
be effected in some cases by moving affected nursery plants into the sun. 
Maintaining tree vigor through adequate irrigation and fertility can limit 
dam-age. Overhead irrigation systems keep foliage wet and may result in more 
disease. Trickle systems or watering from below will not result in foliage 
remaining wet for extended periods. Damaged leaves should be removed from the 
site, when practical, and destroyed to avoid inoculum proliferation on dead 
tissue. Fungicidal controls can be effective and should be considered as part 
of an integrated control strategy, but labels should be read thoroughly before 
use to ensure compliance. 
Mahogany Shoot Borer 
The mahogany shoot bore , Hypsipyla grandella, (Fig. 5) was present in all 
three public nurseries visited during this evaluation. At the Catalina 
Nursery, Caribbean National Forest, the shoot borer was affecting approximately 
1 percent of the mahogany seedlings. This was the lightest incidence recorded 
during the last three evaluations. The application of topical sprays of an 
insecticide (2) has been particularly effective. 
-7-
Figure 4.--Leaf spot on Honduras mahogany (Swietenia macrophyl!a) with fruiting 
of Colletotrichum orbiculare. 
Catalina Nursery, Caribbean National Forest. 
-8-
Figure 5.--Mahogany shoot borer damage (top) and pupa (bottom). 
Catalina 
Nursery, Caribbean National Forest. 
-9-
The Cambalache Nursery also experienced light damage by the shoot borer. 
At the time of this evaluation, most of the seedlings were small and in nursery 
beds inside shadehouses. The nursery manager pointed out numerous shoot borer 
attacks occurring in the larger mahogany overstory trees used as shade for 
potted seedlings kept outside. 
In this case, some chemical control may be 
necessary in the potted seedlings due to the high population of shoot borers in 
the area. 
The Monterrey Nursery also had a very light infestation of shoot borers in 
potted seedlings, but no control is warranted. 
Management considerations - Chemical control is possible in nurseries; 
however, only a few insecticides are currently registered for use against this 
pest. A better management consideration would be the use of a tree species 
other than the nursery crops for shade, border, or windbreak plantings. Shade 
can be obtained from mesh netting stretched from a rack over the seedlings. 
When using netting, the amount of shade can be controlled, and it eliminates 
the possibility of host trees attracting pests to the area. 
Sugar Cane Root Stalk Borer Weevil (Vaquita) 
The sugar cane root stalk borer (Diaprepres abbreviatus) was again present 
in all three forest nurseries visited on the island of P.R. A detailed 
description of the insect, its habits, and damage can be found in Beavers and 
Woodruff, 1971 (3). 
The larvae and adults were feeding on roots and foliage at the Cambalache 
and Monterrey Nurseries (Fig. 6), but only larval root feeding was seen at the 
Catalina Nursery. Absence of adult foliage damage from feeding in the Catalina 
Nursery may have been due to successful control via topical insecticide 
applications. 
-
Management considerations - Various insecticides are registered in P.R. 
for the control of this insect on other crops. Two of these insecticides 
appeared to provide some control at the Catalina Nursery. Further evaluations 
of some of the registered chemicals are being planned by Forest Pest 
Management, Forest Service Research, and the National Forest. 
Leaf hoppers 
Leafhoppers were found on maria-santa maria (Calophyllum brasiliense} and 
almond (Terminalia catappa} in the Cambalache Nursery. Potted stock of these 
trees were produced at the Monterrey Nursery, but leafhopper damage was not 
found. 
In 1981, leafhopper damage was present on mahogany at the Catalina 
Nursery (2), but was not found during this evaluation. 
Damage by leafhoppers is usually not a serious problem, unless the popula­
tion of the pest is allowed to build up to high levels. The insect has pierc­
ing µnd sucking mouth parts and causes chlorosis, leaf flecking (Fig. 7), and 
curl1ng of the leaves. 
In some cases, when feeding occurs on very young, small 
leaves, a shot hole appearance occurs as the leaves grow larger. 
If the damage 
is heavy, the trees are weakened and subjected to stress from other factors, 
such as climate, diseases, or other insects. Even though this damage is 
usually not fatal to the plant, it does make the seedlings unsightly and 
perhaps more difficult to market. 
-10-
Figure 6.--Vaquita (sugar cane root stalk boring weevil = Diaprepres 
abbreviatus) larva (top) feeding on roots and adult (bottomTTeedl"ng on foliage 
of mahogany. 
Monterrey Nursery, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. 
-11-
Figure 7 --Leafhopper damage on foliage of mahogany. 
1981 
-12-
Management considerat_j_Q_nÉ - The best control for this particular pest is a 
topical application of a registered insecticide. 
The material should_ be· 
applied to both the upper and lower surface of the leaves. 
Timing of the 
application is important. 
The plants should be checked at least weekly for the 
pest. 
To check for leafhoppers, shake the foliage of the plant and look for 
smal 1, light-colored, flying insects. 
If they are present, a spray should be 
applied before the population can build up to damaging levels. 
Aphids and Scale Insects 
Aphids and scale insects were found on aceitillo (Zanthoxylum flavum) and 
morolon (Coccoloba pubescens) in the Cambalache Nursery-.-· These insects also 
have piercing and sucking mouth parts and cause damage similar to that caused 
by leafhoppers. 
The damage is usually chlorosis, leaf flecking, curling (Fig. 
Sa), and stunting of the leaves. 
Stem feeding (Fig. Sb) on thin-barked species 
may lower tree vigor, resulting in susceptibility to attack from other insects 
and diseases 
Terminal feeding can cause tip mortality when the insect 
populations are high. 
The presence of aphids and scale insects can be determined by visual 
observation. 
Look for the insects on the underside of curled or off-color 
leaves. The presence of sooty mold (a thin, black coating on the lower leaves 
of a plant) is also a good indicator of either an aphid or scale insect infest­
ation. Another good indicator is the presence of ants moving up and down on 
plants. 
Ants feed on the honeydew produced by aphids and are usually present 
when aphids are present. 
ManaÊemËnt considerations - Control for heavy populations of either aphids 
or scale insects can be obtained from the application of a registered insecti­
cide. 
The material should be applied to the upper and lower sides of foliage. 
Timing of the application is important. Only spray when populations become a 
threat to the health of the plants. 
Premature insecticide applications can 
control any parasites or predators that may be holding the aphid or scale 
population to endemic levels. Maintenance of good tree vigor by timely 
irrigation and fertilization can help to minimize damage from aphids and scale 
insects. 
Other Conditions 
Very low density and poor quality stock was observed in mahogany and mahoe 
container beds at Monterrey. 
The problem was traced by nursery personnel to 
improper seed storage procedures. 
Seed is sold to private nurseries, which 
requires repeated entry into cold Ìtorage, and this results in fluctuating 
temperatures that are damaging to seed quality and viability. New procedures 
and added equipment are under consideration. 
Areas of off-color and undersized trees were seen in pine stock at the 
Monterrey Nursery. 
No pests were consistently associated, and sub-optimal soil 
fertility or inappropriate pH is suspected. Field collected soil, used as 
growing medilJTI, should be analyzed before use and anmended with appropriate 
nutrients to provide optimum growing conditions. 
-13-
s 
.s 
O 
-
Chlorotic and unthrifty seedlings of several species (esp. mahoe) were 
seen at the Cambalache Nursery. 
No pests were associated, and the suspected 
cause was drought and/or soil fertility. 
Labor shortages make frequent hand 
irrigation difficult to accomplish in this semi-arid area, and an automatic 
drip or overhead irrigation system would help keep trees adequately watered 
with a minimum of personnel. 
Water stressed seedlings may also be more 
attractive to insect and disease pests. 
Pisolithus tinctorius. a mycorrhizal S}1'Jlbiont, is well established on 
windbreak pines at Monterrey. This provides a ready supply of natural inoculum 
for the pine germination beds and container stock. Mycorrhizal roots were 
found on container grown pines. 
Two private nurseries on the U.S.V.I. were visited where ornamental and 
fruit trees were the major crops. 
Insect and disease conditions were evaluated 
on several species and findings appear in Table 2. Effective control proce­
dures are being instituted by nursery managers and impact is generally low. 
Lack of labeling information for tropical trees and experimental use of 
compounds on crops and pests was discussed with personnel from the College of 
the Virgin Islands, Cooperative Extension Service. 
The recent addition of a 
plant protection specialist on St. Croix will help in accurate diagnosis, which 
is the first essential step in effective pest control. 
-15-
I -
0\ 
I 
Table 1 --Nursery pests evaluated in public nurseries in Puerto Rico. 1982. 
Host 
Mahogany -
Swietenia mahagoni, 
s. macroehyl 1 a,
and hybrids 
--·--· 
Mahoe -
Hibiscus elatus 
Caribbean pine -
Pinus caribaea 
Eucalyptus -
Eucalyptus deglupta 
Damage 
ambrosia beetle/canker 
shoot borer 
leaf spots 
post-emergence damping-off 
Vaquita 
low density 
leaf spots 
thread bl i ght 
nutrient deficiency/drought 
low density 
nutrient deficiency 
post-emergence damping-off 
low density 
Pisolithus tinctorius 
mycorrh1zae 
leaf spots 
transplant loss 
post-emergence damping-off 
Catal fna 
(USFS) 
p 1/ 
PT/ 
p-
a 
P (roots) 
a 
Nursery 
Cambalache 
(PR-DNR) 
a 
p 
a 
p 
P (roots 
& foliage) 
a 
p 
a 
p 
a 
p 
p 
a 
Monterrey 
(PR-DA) 
p 2/ 
p-
p 
a 
P (roots & 
fo 1 i age) 
p 
p 
p 
a 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
I -
Table l.--(con 1 t) 
Host 
Citrus -
unknown 
Almond -
Terminalia catappa 
Morolon -
Coccoloba pubescens 
Aceitillo -
Zanthoxyl um fl avum. 
Mari a-Santa Mari a -
Calophyllum brasiliense 
Danage 
sour orange scab 
leafhopper 
scale insect 
aphids 
leafhopper 
1../ Also present at Zarzal outplanting near nursery. 
2/ No ambrosia beetle injury present 
P
= present 
a = absent 
-
= no host grown 
Catalina 
(USFS) 
Nursery 
Cambal ache 
(PR-DNR) 
p 
p 
p 
p 
Monterrey 
(PR-DA) 
p 
a 
a 
Table 2.--Pests of ornamentals in U.S.V.I. private nurseries. 
Host 
Carrisia speciosa 
Erythrina spp. 
Murraya eamiculata 
Oleander spp. and 
Aleurites fordii 
Jasminium salincia 
Damage 
stem canker with dieback 
leaf spot 
shoot borer 
leaf miner 
twig infestation 
leaf infestation 
-18-
Pest Associated 
Botrxodiplodia dothidae 
Phoma spp. 
unidentified lepidoptera 
unidentified 
unidentified scale 
unidentified scale 
FORESTS 
During this evaluation, the authors evaluated managed plantations of 
mainly non-native forest species of Caribbean pine and teak in P.R. 
Pine Damage 
Spider mites 
In 1981, a spider mite problem was observed on oocarpa 
pine (P1nus oocarpa) and Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea) in one of the Oxford 
Internat1onal P1ne Provenance Trials in the Anasco area (2). Anasco is located 
in the western part of the Island. Revisitation to this area showed that the 
spider mite was still present (Fig. 9a}, but at a much lower level than in 
1981. Feeding was again heavier on oocarpa pine, and the edge effect described 
in 1981 (trees on the outer edge of the plantation were affected more than 
trees in the interior} was again obvious. The spider mite population was high 
on young, natural regeneration of Caribbean pine in open areas where there was 
minimal overstory or shade from surrounding trees. 
During this evaluation, ladybird beetles (adults and larvae} were observed 
on a 2-3 meter tall natural regeneration adjacent to the plantations (Fig. 9b}. 
This natural predator could be a major reason why the mite population was lower 
than in previous years. 
Management of spider mites through silvicultural 
methods or chemicals is not necessary at this time. 
Basal resinosis. 
External resinosis was observed on the stems of 16 to 17 
year old P. car1baea, beginning near the ground line or up to 1 meter above the 
ground and extend1ng distally for 1 to 2 meters (Fig. lOa,b). Resin-soaking 
occurred from the bark into the xylem several centimeters. Affected trees were 
found in abundance at two plantings in P.R. (the Lake Caonillas spacing study 
and the Cerro Gordo planting}. The understory of both stands had burned, but 
the symptoms described are not typical of basal fire scars. Attempts to 
isolate pathogens from affected tissue and soil near basal damage were not 
successful. 
The cause of this damage could be fire in the dense and high understory 
vegetation. Plantings should be monitored to establish associations with fire 
or other- management practices. More complete assessment of biotic causes was 
not possible and should be considered in future evaluations. 
Management prac­
tices to control the condition cannot be recorrrnended without a clear under­
standing of cause. Additionally, the intended product may not be compromised 
by the damage, thereby making control unnecessary. 
Competition. 
Caribbean pine planted near Las Marias, P.R., showed evi­
dence of early growth suppression. The stand was 17 years old and part had 
been planted under Brazilian coffee trees and part under the smaller Arabian 
coffee. 
The Brazilian coffee canopy was closed at the time of our observa­
tions, while the Arabian coffee trees still had ample growing space. The 
differing size and growth habits of the two varieties seemed to influence early 
pine growth, since the pines in the Arabian coffee area were already small 
sawtimber size (Fig. 11), while those in the Brazilian coffee area were small 
to medium pole-size. 
Increment cores are difficult to interpret, since pine 
growth in the tropics does not follow the patterns of definite early- and 
-19-
b. 
Figure 9a.--Spider mite infestalions of 
aribbean pin 
(Pinus caribaea). 
Anasco, Puerto Rico. 
9 .--Lava 
f ladybird beet e, predator of spider mi e actul s. inmatures 
anct eqgs. 
-20-
C r
-2
Figure 11.--Seventeen-year-old Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea) qrowing among 
Arabian coffee trees at Las Marias, Puerto Rico-.--
-22-
late-wood formation of trees growing in temperate climates. However. it did 
appear from the cores that early growth of the pines was slower under the 
Brazilian coffee. The site quality of the two areas did not appear to differ. 
Management considerations. The trees have already grown well above the 
coffee canopy in both areas, so shading is no longer a problem. 
Competition 
for soil moisture and nutrients may occur at times during the year, but growth 
impacts on pines or coffee are not known. Avoidance of planting under dense 
vegetation of any sort would eliminate early shading Înd competition. 
However, 
spider mites may then become a problem. Removal of the overstory once pine is 
established may be desirable if pine is the crop of primary interest. The 
potential for other pest problems occurring on trees under competitive stress 
is higher than for those without such stress. 
Teak Damage 
Canker rot. Teak (TectonÏ grandis) was affected by a canker and rot in 
pole-size stands at the Mayaguez Institute of Tropical Agriculture (MITA) and 
in pole- and sawtimber-size stands on the Rio Abaja State Forest in P.R. 
Increment cores taken from affected stems near cankers showed dark brown stain­
ing and smelled of anaerobic micro-organism activity (sour, vinegar smell; 
putrid liquid and gas escape when tapped). 
Cankers were associated with dead 
branch stubs or main stem forks two to several meters above the ground and were 
often several meters in length, encompassing one-fourth to one-half the tree's 
circumference (Fig. 12a). 
Resupinate (flat, appressed), grey-black, sterile 
material was found associated with old branch stubs and canker faces on several 
widely separated trees (Fig. 12b,c). 
Attempted isolation of potential fungus causes from canker margins, rotted 
wood, and the grey-black material was unsuccessful. 
Cordell and Barry (4) and Phelps and Landgraf (8) described a similar 
condition on teak in the Rio Abajo State Forest and on St. Croix, respectively. 
Cordell and Barry isolated a basidiomycete from decayed wood, but it was not 
identified. 
Phelps and Landgraf described the condition as a Hypoxylon spp. 
canker, but did not indicate whether isolation of the organism was attempted. 
Their description of the grey-black material is consistent with the non-fruit­
ing Hypoxylon-like material collected during this survey. The 1976 and 1972 
observations are at variance (no evidence of Hypoxylon fruiting in 1976), but 
we feel there is enough agreement in the accounts of 1982, 1976, and 1972 that 
the conditions are the same in all locations and at different observation 
dates. These observations indicate a widespread and severe condition in P.R. 
and the u.s.v.I. 
Management considerations. If the growing of teak is to become a corm,er­
cial enterprise in P.R. or the U.S.V.I., the Ðause, extent, distribution, and 
severity of this disease needs to be assessed. 
Evaluation of associations with 
site, age, and management practices could assist in lessening or eliminating 
the disease and associated product value loss. After such a survey, management 
practices to mitigate the problem could be investigated. 
-23-
b. 
Figure 12a.--Large canker on stem of teak 
(Tecona grandis) with dead branch tub 
associated. 
Rio Abaj 
tate Forest, P erto 
Rico. 
12b.--Steri le material (perhaps 
fungus-produced) in healing branch tub of 
teak. 
Rio Abaja State Forest, Puerto 
Rico. 
12c.-- teri le material produced on 
stem of pole-size teak. 
Rio Abajo State 
Forest, Puerto Rico 
-24-
a. 
C.
Activities suggested to minimize canker rot problems on other hardwood 
hosts in temperate climates include: proper site selection; favoring other, 
unaffected species; maintaining tree vigor; hand pruning of declining branches 
or promoting conditions for natural pruning; and sanitation salvage of affected 
stems. 
Some of the practices may apply to tropical climates, but may require 
alteration to acco11111odate the different wood characteristics and growth habits 
of tropical tree species. 
Mahogany Damage 
Mahogany shoot borer (Hypsipyla arandella). Hybrid mahogany (Swietenia
mahagon, x s. macrophylla) was damage by the shoot borer at a newly estab­
lished outplanting near Zarzal, Rio Grande, P.R. (also, see ambrosia beetle­
canker complex). Incidence was very light and could have been residual from 
nursery infestations. The biology of this terminal boring insect is detailed 
in previous evaluations (2,4,5,8) and elsewhere (7). 
Manaaement considerations. Direct controls of the -shoot borer with
insectici es 1n forest stands are not currently available. Some success has 
been achieved with experimental applications in nurseries. The best control 
available in forest stands is strip planting of seedlings with shade from 
native forest vegetation from the sides, but control is not complete. Severe 
or repeated damage may result in forking or stem crooks, but many trees can 
recover to produce marketable stems. 
URBAN AND OTHER SITES 
People Pressure Conditions - U.S. Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, U.S. 
Virgin Islands 
The U.S. Virgin Islands National Park is a small, intensively used park 
with historic sites, camping, and permanent cabin facilities avai"lable. tt>st 
campsites are within short walking distance of beaches behind low (1-2 meters), 
vegetated dunes. Numerous trails and dirt roads are available for backpacking 
or day hiking. Because of the intensive use of facilities, numerous instances 
of tree decline occur. 
Abiotic and biotic factors are associated with damage and often occur in 
combinations. A list of conditions appears below. 
Abiotic factors 
Soil compaction. 
Basal wounding by vehicles or construction equipment (Fig. 13a). 
Lantern burns. 
Machete and/or axe wounds (Fig. 13a). 
Root exposure and damage due to foot traffic and road construction (Fig. 
13b). 
Soil nutrient deficiencies (palm). 
-25-
a. 
b. 
Figure 13.--Abiotic factors contributing o tree dee ine in areas of heavy use 
includ : 
basal wounds by vehicles; wounds caused by axe machete_ ›d knife­
wieldinq park users (a}; and heavy foot traffic over tree roots (b). 
U.S. 
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands. 
-26-
Biotic factors 
Ganoderma applanatum root and butt rot on wounded trees (Fig. 14a). 
Aspicfiofusaestructor - palm frond scale (Fig. 14b). 
Stem decay by unknown fungus 
Slime flux caused by anaerobic bacteria in wood of wounded and stressed 
trees. 
Combinations of the above factors lead to decline-type sy111ptoms in most tree 
species. Sy111ptoms include twig or branch dieback, poor healing response of 
branch stubs or wounds, and root, butt, and stem decay. Such trees can be 
highly hazardous to park employees and users when they are positioned near high 
traffic areas (roads or paths) or campsites, picnic areas, and cabins due to 
loss of windfirmness and ability to withstand environmental stresses. 
Contin­
ued abuse of shoreline vegetation could result in loss of shade and wind 
protection, and increased beach erosion during storms. 
Management considerations. 
The following practices can help to alleviate 
tree stresses caused by activities associated with recreation use. 
1.
Providing lantern posts at campsites and picnic areas to prevent
lantern burns and subsequent stem decay. 
2.
Cover heavily used trails with a layer of large wood or bark chips to
lessen soil compaction, root damage, and subsequent root and butt decay. 
3.
Provide educational materials to park users on the effects of tree
abuse by carving, hacking, or other wounding. 
4.
Directing traffic to beaches through a few routes, thereby minimizing
damage to most shoreline vegetation. 
5.
Initiating a vegetation management program, including hazard tree
identification and removal, correct pruning techniques, fertilization where 
needed, tree replacementÊ and public education. 
Forest Pest Management can provide training and literature for park 
personnel on this subject, if requested. 
Park officials were initially concerned about the possible presence of 
lethal yellows on coconut palms in various locations throughout the park. 
Observations indicated no lethal yellows present. The chlorotic appearance of 
older palm fronds and the progressive tip burn are the result of palm frond 
scale infestations (Aspidiotus destructor) and magnesium deficiency. Treatment 
consists of old froncfprun1ng and fert1l1zation, if desired. Though palm 
lethal yellows are not yet present on the U.S .. V.l., the park area could be a 
prime entry point, given the number of visitors and the likelihood of their 
carrying affected plant materials and introducing the problem from elsewhere in 
the Caribbean. Park personnel should remain viËilant, as rapid action may 
prevent disease spread. 
-27-
a 
b. 
Figure 14.--Trees stres ed b 
conditions 
n recrea ion areas are nften attacked
by fungi (a. Ganoderma a.oplanatum) and 111-sect pests 
b. Aspid1otus deVtructWr; 
pa 1 m f o nd 
cal e) .-
- -
--
-28-
FRUIT CROPS 
Mango (Mangifera indica). Corrmercial mango groves were visited on St. 
Thomas, U.S.V.I., with Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service personnel· 
from the College of the Virgin Islands. A recurrent anthracnose-like disease 
of mango (Fig. 15, probably caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) has 
resulted in reduced yield and fruit quality. Extension personnel have been 
working with corrrnercial growers to develop spray schedules to control this 
disease. The lack of registered fungicides for tropical plant diseases has 
hampered efforts. Difficulty in procuring adequate amounts of registered 
compounds on the Island has added to the problems. 
An integrated approach to managing the disease is taken by pest special­
ists, and efforts to combine non-chemical control procedures (sanitation of 
diseased material in groves and tree vigor maintenance) is incorporated into 
control strategies. 
Papaµa (Carica papaya). Papaya plants on St. Thomas continue to be
affected
y an as yet misunderstood disease problem, which results in reduced 
fruit size and yield, and mortality of plants. Reduced size and number of 
leaves, premature leaf abscission, wilting, and watersoaked stem lesions are 
also symptoms (Fig. 16). The disease was described in a previous evaluation 
(4). 
The cause had not been determined at the time of that report, but since 
then, advances have been made by researchers at the College of the Virgin 
Islands. A complex of organisms acting together appears to be the cause, and 
efforts to determine the role of each continue. When disease etiology is 
known, controls can be instituted. Resistance breeding is still a part of the 
control strategy. 
Cacao (Theobroma cacao). Experimental and yard tree plantings of cacao 
were observed at MITA, Mayaguez, P.R., and private residences on St. Thomas, 
U.S.V.l., respectively. Anthracnose was common, and a fungus (Colletotrichum 
orbiculare) was consistently associated. Symptoms included leaf spot and 
marginal leaf necrosis on older leaves and marginal and veinal necrosis on 
young, succulent leaves (Fig. 17). 
Management considerations. 
Control is not warranted at this time, since 
impact appears slight and trees occur mostly as single individuals. 
Homeowners 
may limit damage by removing affected leaves from the tree and destroying them 
by burning or burying. Preventive fungicide sprays may prove successful in the 
future if the amount of growing stock increases. 
HERBICIDE DAMAGE 
A herbicide problem that was encountered during the 1981 evaluation at the 
Navy House, San Juan, P.R., has improved considerably. A variety of trees, 
shrub and herbaceous plant species, including palm (Cocos nurcifera), flamboyan 
(Delonix regia), and oleander (Oleander sp.), had been killed or were in 
various stages of decline. 
The termination of the use of herbicides to control grass has improved the 
problem on the U.S. Navy Compound many-fold. There was no additional tree or 
shrub mortality observed during this evaluation. Indicators of improvement 
-29-
Figure 15 -- ol1age symp oms 
f
an antl,racnnse- ike disease on mango (Mangifera 
indica). 
. Thomas. U.S. Virgin Islands. 
Flowers and young 
ru1ts are also 
affected 
-30-
1.1 
✓ • 
r1!1'Jre 16 --Ste. le, ons deid fol •9 
ilNI undar511ed fruit ti P•IWYA (C¥1ta 
P•P•Y•I affecr...i by a CQIIJIIO. of dlseue-Clll'lll9 19enu. 5t Thmff. u.=--­
Y1rg1n Is hr,ds 
fig,.e 17 --/nthracr.ose ot CdC.ao lT_o•	 
aol 0n 5uCCijlenL (left) 1nd 
older (right} roll 111e 
Colletot.-icfiL.1!11 orbicu'l"ari w=-. con-.1steritly 4>4,oc1oted. 
·3Z·
were healthy sprouting of flamboyan (Fig. 18) from stumps of previously killed 
back and cut trees and grass beginning to restablish itself on areas where the 
herbicide had been applied. These factors indicate that the damaged trees and 
shrubs still 1 iving have a chance to overcome the herbicide dcJ11age. The Ba·se 
ColllTlander has begun practices to reverse the damage caused by the herbicides 
and is initiating the .reconmendations of fertilization for the hardwoods and 
palms. He is also planning a replanting program to replace the dead trees. 
Mana6
ement considerations. Further improvement to the problem can be
obtained y the following: 
1.
Pruning and fertilizing the living hardwoods.
2.
Fertilizing the palms.
3.
Starting the replanting program to replace other dead hardwoods.
4.
Corrective pruning of some of the stump sprouts of the flamboyan could
result in a replacement without replanting. 
J. A. Zambrana offered the assistance of State and Private Forestry in 
contacting individuals with the P.R.-0.N.R. for assistance in this tree 
replacement program. It was also reconmended that the Commander consult a 
professional tree service for the pruning job needed on the very large hardwood 
trees. 
MISCELLANEOUS URBAN ANO SHAOE TREE 
Site selection. Site selection is often not carefully done in urban and 
shade tree settings. Several instances were observed at Camp Santiago Army 
National Guard Training Center, located in the south-central semi-arid region 
of P.R. While biotic agents were present on some declining trees (scales, 
aphids, decay fungi, leaf disease), the direct causes of poor tree appearance 
were site inadequacies. 
Shade plantings of rosewood (Pterocarpus indicus) and mahogany {Swietenia 
mahagoni, S. macrophylla, and hybr1ds) along the paved entrance road to the 
base showea tw1g and branch dieback, premature leaf abscissiont and poor growth 
(Fig. 19). None of these tree species are especially well suited to the dry 
soil conditions prevailing in this area. The damage was inadvertantly avoided 
on one side of the road because of a leaky underground water line and exacer­
bated on the opposite side by trafficing of heavy military equipment, such as 
tanks and other tracked vehicles. In an effort to minimize damage to the 
roadway, the trees were damaged. Ory soil conditions combined with soil 
compaction resulted in tree decline. 
A nearby, closely spaced planting of sapling-sized maria-santa mariat 
Honduras and hybrid mahogany, and rosewood were showing poor vigor and form 
(Fig. 20). These trees were to be used as replacements when trees died else­
where on the base or where vegetation was needed. This planting provided an 
opportunity to observe the relative fitness of different trees for the semi­
arid sites common in this part of the Island. Only hybrid mahogany, which 
tended toward the small-leaf mahogany, appeared suited to the area. J. A. 
-33-
Figure 19.--Roadside plantin of rosewood (Pterocarpus indicus) at Camp 
Santiago National Guard Training Base, Puerto R·co. 
Trees ar-lef are 
suffering from drought and soil compaction from vehicular traffic off the road. 
Trees at right are irrigated by leaky water lines. 
-35-
Fl911re 18 --lloot to IIM sprout Ing o! I I trnboy.., (Dlllani> re<1i a) prrvlou\ ly 
kl 1 led batk ltith hel'bictcle v\1!11 to ccntrol grass. Juinc"loii, pruning of this 
sapllng an help to prodo<:e •— 1Hr1ctlve yard tree. eliorlnotio9 Lhe need for 
repl;1nting. Hlvy llo<K•. $49 .lion. Puerto Rico. 
Figure 20.--Maria-santa maria (Calophyllum brasi liense) showing poor adaptation 
to dry sites common on Camp Sant1ago. 
Hybrid mahogany in left background 
showing better appearance 
-36-
Zambrana suggested black olive (Ucar = Bucida buceras) as another appropriate 
selection. One or t\\C specimen black olive trees on the base showed good 
growth, form, and overall appearance. 
Close examination of bigleaf mahogany, rosewood, and maria-santa maria 
planted on the base and in the replacement planting revealed infestations of 
leaf and twig aphids and scale insects. The trees' poor adaptation to the 
prevailing growing conditions resulted in poor vigor and susceptibility to 
attacks by these insects. Chemical controls are not reconmended. 
Other site problems observed were in urban and city situations. Trees 
were planted too close to roads, in small spaces between sidewalks and streets, 
over water lines, next to stone and concrete walls, against houses, and under 
power lines (Fig. 21). 
In some instances, trees that were not salt tolerant 
were planted too close to sea walls where salt spray could be blown onto them. 
Management considerations. Site and species should always be matched. 
Pay close attention to all potential limiting factors when picking a species 
for a particular site. Examples are moisture availability, fertility, space 
(for both roots and tree crown), and salt tolerance. Assistance can be 
obtained from USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, and the 
Connonwealth of Puerto Rico, Department of Natural Resources, in choosing the 
appropriate tree for the desired site. 
The authors noted the excellent job done of urban tree maintenance and 
planning accomplished by the builders of the new zoo at Mayaguez. Trees were 
well suited to the site, plenty of growing space was provided, and trees were 
well protected from visitors and animals alike. 
Mechanical damage. Damage from machete and grounds keeping equipment 
remains at a hlgh level. Tree vigor can be severely compromised by the opening 
of such \\Cunds. Root and stem insects and diseases can gain access and further 
depress the ability of the tree to grow vigorously (Fig. 22). 
Such attacks can lead to root and stem decay, tree mortality, or failure 
in wind, causing personal or property danage. 
Management considerations. Public education through radio, newspapers, 
schools, and publ1cat1ons on tree care is the best method to prevent mechanical 
damage. Ground maintenance personnel should be trained in the proper tree care 
techniques, such as pruning and tree fertilizing methods and rates. Tree 
replacement should also be a consideration in certain cases where injury is 
going to result in death of the tree or its failure in violent weather. 
-37-
fi9J1re '2 ••E•41!P 
f ai.on 
hdllf • 1nj ry 
a...1 
e,.. e:nv ronnm.U 
StW• IIIOMndX rcYulltrg trm Ze of trc-es for [ ii tty pole 
ltfl) am: law, 
•n,1nq 1111cn1nes, (r1gnt iallow dettiiv ·..ing1 to
t 
4'tld we.at.en the: tre,ec 
-39-
LITERATURE CITED 
Anderson, R. L. and P. J. Barry. 1980. 
13-5, 1980. USDA, FS, SA-S&PF, FPM.
Trip report, Puerto Rico, January 
Rep. No. 80-1-lOA. 
2.
Barry, P. J. and R. L. Anderson. 1981. Evaluation of insect and disease
pests in Puerto Ricoð 1981. USDA, FS, SA-S&PF, FPM. Rep No. 81-1-29. 
3.
Beavers, J. B. and R. E. Woodruff. 1971. A field key for separating
larvae of four species of citrus weevils in Florida (Coleoptera: 
Curculionidae). Florida Dept. Agr. and Consumer Services. Div. Plant 
Industry. Entomology Circular No. 112. 2 p 
4.
Cordell, C. E. and P. J. Barry. 1976. Insect and disease conditions -
Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands, 1976. USDA, FS, 
SA-S&PF, FPM. Rep. No. 77-1-2. 
5.
Fl ave 11, T. H. and W. R. Phe I ps. 1973. 
Evaluation of tree insect and
disease pests in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, 1973. USDA, FS, 
SA-S&PF, FPM. Rep. No. 74-1-11. 
6.
Frohlich G. and W. Rodewald. Pests and diseases of tropical crops and
their control. 1970. Pergamon Press. New York, New York. 371 p. 
7.
Grijpma, P. and R. Rc111alho. 1969. Toona spp. posibles alternativas para
el problema del barrenador Hypsipyla grandella de las Meliaceas en 
America Latina. 
Turrialba -(Costa Rica) 19(4):531-547. 
8.
Phelps, W. R. and A. E. Landgraf. 1972. Evaluation of tree diseases and
insect pests in Puerto Rico and St. Croix, Virgin Islands, 1972. USDA, 
FS, SA-S&PF, FPM. Rep. No. 73-1-10. 
9.
Schoenewiess, D. F. 1981. 
Infectious diseases of trees associated with
water and freezing stress. 
J. Arboric. 7:13-18. 
10. Stevenson, J. A. 1975. The fungi of Puerto Rico and the American Virgin
Is lands. 
Braun-Brumfield. Inc. 
Ann Arbor, Michigan. Contribution of 
Reed Herbarium No. XXIII. 743 p. 
11. Wellman, F. L. 1972. Tropical American plant disease (Neotropical
Phytopathology Problems}. The Scarecrow Press, Inc. Metuchen, New 
Jersey. 989 p. 
-40-
USDA FOREST SERVICE 
Caribbean National Forest 
Mr. Juan Munoz, Forest Supervisor 
APPENDIX 
Mr. Edwin Maldonado, Human Resources Specialist 
Mr. Jose A. Zambrana, Forester 
Mr. Jerry Bauer, Forester 
Southern Forest Experiment Station - Institute of Tropical Forestry 
Mr. Leon Liegel, Soil Scientist 
Mr. Alberto Rodriguez, Biological Technician 
CC.,MONWEAL TH OF PUERTO RICO 
Department of Natural Resources 
Mr. Ralph Schmidt, Auxi 1 iary Secretary 
Mr. John Perez, Technical Forester 
Mr. Luis Diaz-Zanot, Canbalache Nursery Manager 
Department of Agriculture 
Mr. Miguel Ayala, Monterrey Nursery Manager 
USDI NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 
Regional Office, Atlanta, GA 
Mr. Steve Smith, Regional Resource Management Specialist 
U.S. Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands 
Mr. Larry Guth, Chief Ranger 
Mr. James Riddle, Resource Management Specialist 
Dr. Robert Brader, Research Biologist 
Mr. Richard Jones, Naturalist 
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO - RIO PIEDRAS AND MAYAGUEZ 
Dr. Rafael Montalvo-Zapata; Coordinator of Pesticide Programs 
Dr. Li-Jang Liu, Director, Crop Protection Department 
COLLEGE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 
Cooperative Extension Service 
Mr. John Matuzak, Coordinator 
Mr. G. Houston Holder, Assistant Pest Management Specialist 
U.S. NAVY, SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 
Navy House 
Mr. Paul L. Teare, Co1T1Tiander, U.S. Navy 
-41-
I 
Forest Pest Management 
Asheville Field Office 
Report #82-1-32 
August 1982 
EVALUATION OF TREE DISEASE AND INSECT PESTS IN 
PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, 1982 
Approved 
Prepared by: fj,1/&_ 
Pant Pathologist 
/1/ 
--:;/, 
 
/ 
':,," ',,,!' 
1/ 
by:  
t/1/p;,7 
for Harvey V. Toko 
Staff Director 
Forest Pest Management