May 20th, 2009… The Plant Protection Unit (PPU) has put an eradication plan in place for the destruction of the wild cotton and is seeking the assistance of residents to report their locations.

The call from the Plant Protection Unit came amidst worries that the wild cotton attracts a dominant pest-Pink Bollworm scientifically called Pectinophora gossypiell, which reduces the yield and quality of the Sea Island cotton.

Agricultural Officer, Joel Matthew explained that “presently there is approximately 4,000 wild cotton trees island wide and these plants harbour the pest, which affects the commercial cotton.”

Wild cotton, have been sighted in several villages, some of which include, Gambles Terrace, Upper Gambles, Cassada Gardens, Seaview Farm, All Saints, Long Bay (behind Mama Rasta Restaurant), Weirs and in the vicinity of the West Indies Oil Refinery.

Matthew said, the unit is expected to begin an island-wide eradication of the wild cotton, by June 1 and is asking residents who have sighted the plants to call 562-1923 or 462 -0418.

The agricultural officer added that, the department has already instructed cotton farmers to uproot and destroy the remnant of the plants after the cotton is harvested, as a preventative measure.