Mite Pests of Date Palms

Abstract

The date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, is attacked by several mite species that frequently cause significant damage. The Banks grass mite, Oligonychus pratensis (Banks), and the Old World date mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor), (Acari: Tetranychidae) are considered major pests of date palms. The spider mite Eutetranychus palmatus Attiah (Tetranychidae), the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, and the red and black flat mite, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) are considered pests of minor importance to date palm. This chapter summarizes the present knowledge about the distribution, host range, damage, biology, seasonal incidence and management practices of these species. Strategies used for mites are centered on the use of chemical pesticides. Often, the extensive use of these products has resulted in secondary pest outbreaks, undermining the adoption of sustainable pest management programs. Alternative management tactics, including biological control, have not been widely adopted by date producers. Therefore, since more research is needed, future research priorities are also discussed.