Population Dynamics of Rubber Tree Mites

Joyce Martins Rezende,Jaqueline Magalhães Pereira,André Júnio Andrade Peres,Rodrigo Damasco Daud,Walter Santos De Araújo

doi:10.1590/2179-8087.017718

Joyce Martins Rezende, Jaqueline Magalhães Pereira + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-8087.017718

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Abstract

Abstract Calacarus heveae is considered the most common pest mite in rubber tree crops in Southeast and Midwest Brazil. We evaluated the population dynamics of mites in GT 1, PB 235, PR 255 and RRIM 600 rubber tree clones from crops in the Goias State, Brazil. We sampled leaves between June 2013 and June 2014 in 10 trees for each rubber tree clone. Calacarus heveae and Tenuipalpus heveae populations were counted in four 1 cm2-areas distributed on each middle leaflet sampled, whereas all other mites were found on lateral leaflets. Calacarus heveae reached a population peak between March and May 2014. PR 255 and RRIM 600 sheltered the densest population of C. heveae. We sampled six predatory mite species, highlighting Euseius citrifolius. GT 1 and PB 235 had higher abundance of predatory mites. This is the first study carried out on the population dynamics of phytophagous mites associated with rubber trees in the state of Goias.

Highlights

AND OBJECTIVESCalacarus heveae Feres, 1992 (Acariformes: Eriophyidae), is considered the most common pest mite in rubber tree cultivations
We evaluated the population dynamics of mites in GT 1, PB 235, PR 255 and RRIM 600 rubber tree clones from crops in the Goiás State, Brazil
Calacarus heveae and Tenuipalpus heveae populations were counted in four 1 cm2-areas distributed on each middle leaflet sampled, whereas all other mites were found on lateral leaflets

Summary

Introduction

AND OBJECTIVESCalacarus heveae Feres, 1992 (Acariformes: Eriophyidae), is considered the most common pest mite in rubber tree cultivations High infestations of C. heveae can cause yellowing and tanning of the rubber tree leaflets, resulting in intense defoliation (Feres, 1992, 2000; Vieira et al, 2013). Calacarus heveae attack can reduces the foliar photosynthetic rate and affect productivity (Daud, Conforto, & Feres, 2012). Depending on the infestation level, this mite can cause more than 75% of leaf loss and a reduction of up to 30% in the latex production (Feres, 1992; Vieira & Gomes, 1999), which may compromise the viability and productivity of the rubber tree (Daud, Conforto, & Feres, 2012)

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