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First Report of a Pest Mite on Medicinal Hemp Crops: Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, at Azuay, Ecuador

Abstract:

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, was found infesting organic hemps crops at the municipality of Gualaceo-Azuay. In Ecuador, hemp recently is being cultivated for medical purposes. However, lack of information of the main pests related to the crop makes implementation of management strategies difficult. Tetranychus urticae is a phytophagous mite attacking many crops worldwide. The first report of the occurrence of the pest is important for public and private institutions involved in production of hemp to manage the mite. Future research should be focused on searching for an effective biological control agent for use in organic hemp crops where synthetic agrochemicals are not allowed.