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Current situation of the rice mite, Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley (Acari: Tarsonemidae) in Venezuela

Abstract:

Steneotarsonemus spinki has been considered a pest in rice fields in Asia, where it has caused important yield losses. In 1997 this pest species was recorded in Cuba and at the end of 1998 it was detected in Haiti and Dominican Republic causing significant yield losses. In Venezuela, the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrícolas (INIA-Portuguesa), Servicio Autónomo de Sanidad Agropecuaria (SASA), currently INSAI (Instituto Nacional de Salud Agropecuaria Integral), Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA) and Instituto de Investigaciones de Sanidad Vegetal (Cuba) initiated surveys in localities where rice is grown during November to December 2005 and February 2007. Samples were taken from leaves, including lamina and sheaths, in rice plants from flowering to maturation stages from cultivars Fonaiap-1, Fedearroz-50, D-sativa, and crossings of rice plants from Inbreeding Program of INIA - Portuguesa. Characteristic mite damage was observed on internal surface of the leaf sheat inthe Municipalities of Araure, Santa Rosalía and Páez of Portuguesa state. Additionally, S. spinki was found for the first time forming colonies in flag leaves and, sporadically on the rice grains. Although its presence in Venezuela, important population foci to affect rice production have not been detected. Frequent surveys to evaluate pest establishment under local conditions are recommended. © 2009, Sociedad Venezolana de Entomología.