Disease Affecting Ceiba Trees in Playa del Carmen Under Investigation

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Researchers are investigating a disease that is attacking ceiba trees on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen, raising concerns that the condition could spread to other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The issue was brought up by Rodrigo González Martínez, an agronomist from the Chapingo Autonomous University and a member of the Cenotes Urbanos team, during the fifth regular session of the city’s Environmental Commission on Thursday.

González said researchers from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV) in Mérida are preparing to publish a study identifying what is affecting the emblematic trees.

He told the commission that he wanted to start discussing potential response measures given the ecological importance of the species.

According to González, it is still too early to determine the full consequences of the disease, but he stressed the need for mitigation and prevention efforts, as it could eventually affect other tree species.

Sick specimens have also been observed in Cancún and Mérida, he said, suggesting the disease could disperse across the rest of the peninsula.

González said the goal is not to generate panic but to recommend preventive measures, such as giving ceiba trees enough space to grow and ensuring proper management to prevent pest infestations, while researchers work to identify the source of the disease.