The Plant Protection Unit is reminding owners of coconut trees that the nuts of trees which
have been injected with the pesticide are NOT to be consumed.
The name is Oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) which is used for the
control of the lethal yellowing disease.
“The use of OTC for lethal yellowing treatment in palm trees, including coconut, is
highly restricted and must be done solely by permission through a signed agreement
with the Plant Protection Unit – Department of Agriculture,” the ministry said in a statement.
It said at no time is treatment permitted in contravention of such agreements.
According to officials, the nuts of treated coconut MUST be removed before attaining 10 centimetres in diameter and SHOULD NOT be consumed while the plant is being treated.
“The sale of coconuts from treated trees is STRICTLY PROHIBITED!!! An islandwide audit of the status of coconut palms known to be on the treatment programme will be conducted by Plant Protection over the next two weeks,” the unit warned.
For further information, Plant Protection may be contacted at telephone numbers
562-2776, 764-1255 or 462-6777 (listed in the Telephone Directory Blue pages under
“Agriculture”). Alternatively, the Unit may be reached at email address
[email protected].
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So how will the public know if they have eaten coconuts from trees injected with this chemical? Many vendors sell coconuts at the roadside. Where do they get their coconuts from?
Please protect the nation against these harm and danger.
My sentiments exactly. I’m at a loss as to how the public can figure out the origin of the coconuts (jelly water) sold on the roadside daily.
How about people just stop buying coconut water until the PPU signals the all clear?
Yep a hard question, let’s just hope plant protection sampling some of the coconut water being sold to the public. I love the thing but recuse to buy it because I’d tye cost. Wait to drink it like water when I in places like saint lucia (atoeast 3 times cheaper than Anu) see you taking some attacks on the opposition pet shop
Probably these trees will be marked or somewhat, informing the public of the restrictions. Just like the mancheneel trees.
I’snt this the same chemical used as an antibiotic to treat livestock animals? Should the farmers stop selling the meat also? Everybody wants to sound professional in ANU without doing the work. I’m patiently waiting on the “auidit”…
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