Tetranychus mexicanus (Acari: Tetranychidae) IN SOURSOP SEEDLINGS IN THE STATE OF MATO GROSSO DO SUL, BRAZIL

Abstract

Phytophagous mites belonging to the family Tetranychidae are considered pests of a wide range of plant species of agricultural importance in the Annonaceae family. This study aimed to reports the occurrence and attack symptoms of the mite Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) on soursop seedlings (Anonna muricata L.). High mite infestation on the leaves of soursop seedlings was reported in a seedling production nursery made of black Sombrite® screen with 35% restriction of full daylight, located at the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), in Cassilândia, MS, Brazil, during the month of October 2015. Attack symptoms were on the adaxial side of the leaves, whereas mite colonies were located on the abaxial face of the leaves. The injuries started by yellowing of the leaves and curled edges, and later by the fall of the attacked leaves. This is the first record of the occurrence of T. mexicanus in soursop seedlings produced on agricultural screenhousein the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.