Trials were carried out to ascertain which of four systemic insecticide/nematicides were absorbed by young coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) using three different methods of application. Stem injection of Bidrin and Nemacur are impractical because the chemicals break down too quickly and frequent retreatment would result in too much physical damage to the young trees. Lannate was not absorbed from leaf axil placement, and broke down too quickly when absorbed from the soil to be of practical use. Nemacur was not absorbed through the leaf axil, but was from the soil and lasted up to 14 weeks in the plant. Temik, absorbed both through the leaf axil and from the soil, lasted up to 14 weeks. The possibility of controlling red ring disease of coconuts with Nemacur or Temik is considered.