The Dominican coconut tree is under serious attack from a deadly virus called Lethal Coconut Yellowing and is affecting coconut trees in Dajabon, Santiago and Puerto Plata. The disease could very well affect the DR’s RD$230-million coconut agro-industry, with warnings being issued from the Dominican Institute of Agrarian and Forestry Research (IDIAF), as reported in Hoy newspaper. These advisories included a note as to the possible effect the loss of the coconut trees could have on the Dominican tourism industry. The disease has been detected in plantations and on the beach areas. The IDIAF announced a joint prevention program that will use the resources of the IDIAF and the Coconut Cluster of the Dominican Agro-Business Council (JAD), as headed by George Mansfield. The Dominican Republic, and especially the area around the town of Nagua and the eastern regions are mainstays of international coconut production. Each year the DR produces an average of 90 million coconuts. Twenty-five percent of the production is exported to Europe for culinary purposes, while another 25% is exported as copra for use in several products including cosmetics, soaps and sun-screens. About 40% of the national production is exported in cans as coconut milk or cream for the manufacture of sweets and ice creams. Just 10% is consumed in the country. Given the association of the palm tree and the beaches with tourism, it was pointed out that the loss of the coconut palms could have a devastating impact on local tourism. A group against Lethal Coconut Yellowing is trying to teach detection and prevention, as well as cure the disease. The disease, which is not harmful to humans, gradually dries out the trees. There is no known cure for the disease, but it can be controlled by trunk injections. If not controlled, a palm will die within 3 to 6 months after the appearance of the first symptoms.