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Bioecological studies of the red palm mite, raoiella indica hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on cocos nucifera in response to fertilization

Abstract:

After being introduced, Raoiella indica Hirst has inflicted severe damages in commercial coconut plantations; however, information about the pest management strategies is scarce. Crop fertilization has shown to positively affect natural plant resistance. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic or inorganic fertilizations on mite density variation and biological parameters of R. indica in two coconut cultivars commonly used in Venezuela. Under greenhouse conditions, 1-2 yearold coconut plants were fertilized using vermicompost or chemical formula N-P-K (10-20-20) and then infested with 20 females/leaflet of R. indica. Variation in mite number was evaluated at weekly intervals during six consecutive weeks. At the laboratory, developmental time, fecundity and longevity were evaluated on leaf disks from fertilizer treated plants. Fertilized plants showed lower mite number/leaflet when compared with no fertilized plants. Although no effect of fertilization on developmental time of R. indica was detected, longevity and fecundity of females was adversely affected. Results showed that application of different fertilizer sources causes a positive effect on the plant natural resistance to the mite. However, more detailed studies are required to determine the mechanism underlying such induction of plant resistance.