Incidence and post-embryonic development of Raoiella macfarlanei Pritchard and Baker (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on Syzygium Jambos

Abstract

The genus Raoiella represents one of the important genera of the family Tenuipalpidae, which comprises half a dozen species. Members of this group are known to infest a variety of economically important plants such as coconut, aereca nut, Eucalyptus, olive, peanut and various fruit crops. Among these, the species Raoiella macfarlanei Pritchard and Baker has been recorded on olive, Syzygium jambos and widely distributed in India and Africa.The report of the present study revealed that R. macfarlanei has been recognized as a minor pest and widely distributed in various localities of Kerala, India. A perusal of available literature shows a lack of information on its incidence and biology as it has been given the status of an economic species. But in the present study a high infestation was noticed in the field by the development of brownish patches on the infected leaves, causing severe damage to the host plant. Older leaves were more susceptible to mite attack than the younger ones. Maximum population of R. macfarlanei was found attained during the months of February, March and April. The study also revealed that R. macfarlanei completed its development from egg to adult within 16 days on the host plant, S. jambos.