The pineapple is a plant indigenous to Central America and, it is believed, Trinidad also. In this part of the world its cultivation has developed on commercial lines only in Cuba and Porto Rico, and to a lesser extent in Jamaica, with small areas in other islands, particularly Martinique.

There have been of late indications of an increased interest in the possibilities of fruit production on a large scale in Trinidad, the pineapple being among the favoured fruits. For this reason the pest dealt with below assumes a greater importance than it otherwise would, though the usual freedom of this plant from pests focuses attention on any new one found.

In October 1926, young fruit on the plots of the St. Augustine Experiment Station of the local Department of Agriculture were found to be exuding gum and showing signs of insect attack. Though at the time there was few fruits, it being too early for the main crop, a high proportion of these was found to be damaged. It was reported that many fruits had been rendered unsaleable during the previous season by a similar attack.