Raoiella Indica Research Articles

The lacewing Ceraeochrysa caligata as a potential biological agent for controlling the red palm mite Raoiella indica.

BackgroundCompared to chemical control, the use of naturally occurring biological agents to control invasive pests is less threatening to the environment and human health.ObjectivesHere, we assessed the ability of immature stages of the lacewing Ceraeochrysa caligata (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to prey upon different developmental stages of the red palm mite Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), one of the most destructive invasive pests of palm trees in Neotropical regions.MethodsIncreasing densities of three stages of R. indica (eggs, immature stages, and adult females) were offered to C. caligata in coconut leaf arenas. The immature stages of C. caligata were less than 24 h old and were starved before being transferring to the arenas. The amount of prey consumed was recorded 6 h after releasing the C. caligata.ResultsOur results indicated that the ability of C. caligata to feed upon R. indica increased with the larval development of the predator. Higher feeding levels and shorter handling times were recorded for the first and second instars of C. caligata when preying upon the eggs and immature stages of R. indica. Furthermore, C. caligata individuals of different stages exhibited differential functional responses according to prey type (i.e., eggs, immatures, or adult females of R. indica). Ceraeochrysa caligata second instar individuals exhibited a sigmoid increase in consumption rate with increasing prey availability (i.e., a type III functional response) when preying upon immature stages of R. indica. However, when preying upon R. indica adult females, C. caligata second instar individuals exhibited a type II functional response (i.e., an increase in consumption rate with increasing prey availability, before reaching a plateau). Predator individuals of the first and third instar stages exhibited a type II functional response for all prey types.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings demonstrate that C. caligata, especially at the second instar stage, has potential as a tool for ecological management of the red palm mite.

Intra-Plant Distribution and Population Fluctuation of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on Coconuts in the State of Falcón, Venezuela

Knowledge of the ecology of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is still fragmentary in South America since it was only recently introduced from East Asia. Gathering intra-plant distribution and population fluctuation data could contribute to developing more efficient sampling methods for R. indica. Taking this into consideration, studies were carried out to determine spatial temporal distribution of R. indica in three commercial plantations in the state of Falcon, in Venezuela. Higher mite numbers were registered on middle and lower leaf portions collected from middle or lower plant strata, suggesting that sampling should be allocated to these canopy areas on coconut trees. The R. indica population showed to be negatively associated with rainfall. In 2010, population levels of R. indica were higher than in 2011 (maximum 7 mites/cm2); this was probably a function of lower rainfall values for that year. In 2011, the highest population levels were reached between April and July, coinciding with the lowest rainfall values over that year. Relating to this population spike, the Amblyseius largoensis population showed a numerical response in relation to R. indica density; this predator species does not appear to be exerting bio-control on the mite pest population.

First record of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in Jordan

ABSTRACTRaoiella indica Hirst (Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae) is a mite with many hosts and has been reported in many countries. In the Middle East, this mite was reported on date palm in Egypt and Palestine. In 2017, a red mite was found on leaves collected from the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivars “Naboot Saif” and “Fahl Madsarti” growing at the University of Jordan Station, Jordan Valley. Mite specimens were collected and microscopically examined. Cytochrome oxidase I was sequenced to confirm identity and compare to other accessioned Raoiella sequences. Based on morphological and molecular characterization, identity was confirmed to be R. indica. The molecular characterization of the mite showed 99% similarity to accessions that originated from United Arab Emirates and Iran. To our knowledge, this is the first record of red date palm mite in Jordan on date palm trees.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A44D3E74-A69C-488C-8638-1B7EB1177146

Fertility life tables of Raoiella indica (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) at different temperature and humidity levels

A study of fertility life tables of Raoiella indica was carried out on coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaflets at controlled temperature and relative humidity (RH) in Texcoco, Mexico, with the objective of estimating the parameters of population increase of this mite. Cohorts of 12-hour-old Raoiella indica eggs were incubated at 22.5, 25, 27.5 or 30 °C and 40-50 % RH, as well as 27.5 °C with 30-40, 60-70 or 80-90 % RH. They were observed daily until the last mite died. Females that attained adulthood were provided with two males to promote mating and their oviposition was recorded daily. Each one-day-old male was put in contact with a female quiescent deutonymph daily to determine how many times a male could copulate after the deutonymph became an adult. With all temperatures and RH’s, mortality was evenly distributed throughout the observations. Developmental rate, reproduction, and, consequently, parameters of population increase were significantly associated with temperature. The highest rate of population increase took place at 27.5 °C and 40-40 RH. By itself, RH did not significantly affect those variables, although its extreme values showed slight negative effects. Approximately four females per male were observed. Males copulated with 4.56 females on average; this suggests that between 20 and 30 % of the males are enough to fertilize all females present.

Effect of relative humidity on the biology of the predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

ABSTRACTAmblyseius largoensis Muma (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a common predator in the humid tropics, where it has been found in association with Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), an important coconut pest. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of A. largoensis from Recife, Pernambuco, northeast Brazil (Atlantic Forest biome), under different levels of relative humidity (RH). Also, to analyse the world-wide distribution of A. largoensis. This phytoseiid was evaluated at the following development RH levels (20%, 36%, 56%, 65%, 72%, 80%, 89%, and 95%) and on reproduction RH levels (66%, 83%, 91%, and 98%) at 27°C. Amblyseius largoensis failed to complete development at or below 72% RH. Maximum population increase of the predator (about 26-fold in one generation) occurred at 91% RH. Only 7% of the records of the distribution of A. largoensis were from hot arid areas. The results suggested, that while the Recife population of A. largoensis is well adapted to survive high RH conditions, its efficiency as a biological control agent might be limited in drier inland areas. Thus, populations of A. largoensis that occur in drier areas of the world should be evaluated as to their potential as biological control agents of R. indica.

Molecular and morphological characterization of the predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae): surprising similarity between an Asian and American populations.

The accurate characterization of biological control agents is a key step in control programs. Recently, Amblyseius largoensis from Thailand were introduced in Brazil to evaluate their efficiency for the control of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica. The aim of this study was to confirm their identification and to characterize the population from Thailand, comparing it to populations of the Americas and Indian Ocean islands. In addition, a population of A. largoensis from New Caledonia, Oceania, of which DNA sequences were available, was included in phylogenetic analyses. Morphometric data obtained for the population of A. largoensis from Thailand were compared to those of populations from Reunion Island and the Americas through univariate and multivariate analyses. Two DNA fragments were amplified and sequenced: the nuclear ribosomal region ITSS and the mitochondrial 12S rRNA. Haplotypes (12S rRNA) and genotypes (ITSS) were identified and phylogenetic analyses using both fragments were conducted separately and combined using maximum likelihood and the Bayesian information criterion. The integrative approach reveals morphometric and molecular variabilities among populations of A. largoensis and shows that the population identified as A. largoensis collected in Thailand, as well as that from New Caledonia, are conspecific to the populations of the Americas and Indian Ocean islands. Populations from the Americas and Asia are more related to each other than with that from the Indian Ocean islands. Hypotheses to explain this clustering are proposed. Data on the molecular intraspecific variability of this predatory mite from remote areas will be helpful for the development of molecular diagnosis.

Functional response of Amblyseius largoensis to Raoiella indica eggs is mediated by previous feeding experience

The mechanisms involved in the acceptance and choice of prey by predatory mites are still poorly understood. The present study was designed to determine whether previous feeding experience of Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) eggs could influence the predator’s functional response and related parameters. The consumption of R. indica eggs by experienced and naïve female A. largoensis was evaluated under increasing densities of eggs. Regardless of the predators’ previous experience, a gradual increase in the number of eggs consumed and a tendency to stabilize at higher densities were observed. Proportionally, egg consumption decreased with increasing egg densities, indicating a type II functional response for both experienced and naïve predators. Experienced and naïve predators also had the same attack rate. However, naïve predators had a handling time almost 50% longer than experienced predators and showed lower variation in egg consumption and lower peak egg consumption. The results of the present study demonstrate that previous feeding experience may alter parameters of the functional response of A. largoensis to R. indica eggs but not the type of response. Possibly, longer associations between native populations of A. largoensis and R. indica results in more aggressive predator populations.

The invasive red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), in Brazil: range extension and arrival into the most threatened area, the Northeast Region

ABSTRACTRaoiella indica Hirst (Acari: tenuipalpidae), commonly known as the red palm mite (RPM), is an invasive polyphagous pest, which has emerged as a threat to agriculture in the Americas. In the Americas, the mite has not only spread quickly, but also greatly extended its host range in the new areas where it has been observed. We present here new records of the RPM in Brazilian states, with focus on its arrival into the most threatened area, the Northeast Region. Coconut and banana are important crops in this region of Brazil and represent the main threatened crops by this pest. These new records of RPM reinforce the idea that this species is already widely distributed throughout Brazil eight years after its introduction into the extreme North state of Roraima. Comments on the possible economic, social and environmental impacts are presented.

Efecto del vermicompost sobre el desarrollo de Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) en dos cultivares de Musa

Después de ser introducida en el Caribe, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) ha representado una amenaza para la producción de musáceas, por lo que se requiere desarrollar estrategias para el manejo sustentable de las plagas. En este estudio se evaluó la variación poblacional de R. indica por efecto de la adición de 15 y 30 % de vermicompost en el sustrato de siembra de dos cultivares de Musa (Hartón y Manzano) bajo condiciones de umbráculo. Plantas de cada cultivar de entre 1 y 2 años de edad fueron sembradas en bolsas de polietileno conteniendo arena, mantillo y cascarilla de arroz (1:1:1) como sustrato. Una hoja por planta fue infestada artificialmente con 20 hembras y 10 machos de R. indica y fue evaluado el crecimiento poblacional cada semana. Adicionalmente se determinó el contenido de fenoles totales en hojas de cada cultivar. Aunque la densidad poblacional de R. indica fue menor en plantas tratadas con NPK, estas no mostraron diferencias significativas con vermicompost al 30 % en plantas de ‘Manzano’ o 15 % en ‘Hartón’. Las diferencias en el contenido de fenoles totales dentro de cada cultivar fueron detectadas debido al tratamiento de fertilización 96 h después de la infestación con ácaros. Los resultados sugieren que existen mecanismos de resistencia en las variedades de Musa, lo cual podría ser considerado al momento de establecer estrategias de manejo de la plaga en condiciones del trópico

The Tenuipalpidae (Acari: Trombidiformes) of Israel

An annotated list and key to the 26 species of phytophagous false spider mites (Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) known from Israel is provided. About two thirds are exotics, having invaded Israel within the last 35 years. Eight species, namely Brevipalpus californicus, B. lewisi, B. obovatus, B. phoenicis, B. yothersi, Raoiella indica, Tenuipalpus granati and T. punicae are agricultural pests. The others have little economic impact, or are possibly controlled by natural enemies. A key to all the species is given.

Chrysopids (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Associated with Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in Colima, Mexico

Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is recognized as a major global pest of coconut palm, Cocos nucifera L., and also impacts the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), other palm species including Elaeis guineensis Jacquin (Carrillo et al. 2014, Florida Entomol. 97: 256–261), banana trees (Musa paradisiaca L.), heliconia (Heliconiaceae spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and others (Carrillo et al. 2014). The mites damage plants by piercing leaf cells and subsequently sucking on the cellular contents, thus causing tissue chlorosis and eventually necrosis. Large populations on stressed or young plants can even cause plant death (Rodriguez et al. 2007, Rev. Proteccion Veg. 22: 142–153).

Colonization, Abundance, and Damage ofRaoiella indicaHirst on Cultivars ofMusaspp. at Tabasco, México

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is a pest recently introduced and propagating in the Neotropical region where the extent of potential damage to cultivars of Musa spp. is not well known. Three basal leaves of each young ‘Dwarf Giant’ banana (Musa AAA Cavendish), ‘Horn’ plantain (Musa AAB Plantain), and ‘Date’ banana (Musa AA Sucrier) were experimentally infested with 200 adult mites per leaf. As a check, three coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) of cultivars ‘Pacific Tall’, ‘Malayan Dwarf’, and the hybrid (‘Pacific Tall’ x ‘Malayan Dwarf’) were infested. The objective was to evaluate colonize and increase in abundance of the pest, as well as damage it can cause in the humid tropics of Mexico. After 4 months, the number of adult mites per infested leaf had increased 2.4 to 5.3 times on Musa spp. cultivars and 43.4 to 54.1 times on cultivars of C. nucifera. Similarly, the rates of eggs, larvae-nymphs, and adults on nearby leaves were less on Musa spp. than on C. nucifera. Mild damage was observed on ‘Horn’ plantain and ‘Date’ banana, moderate damage on ‘Dwarf Giant’ banana, and the coconut palms were severely damaged. The rainfall had a negative effect on colonization and development of R. indica. Torrential rain and prolonged drizzle during most of the year in the study area regulated R. indica in host plant in the region. Effect of weather on decrease in abundance as well as phytosanitary practices should be considered when managing the pest.

Cannibalism in Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), an important natural enemy of coconut mite pests

ABSTRACTThe phytoseiid mite Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) is an important natural enemy of two key coconut pests, the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), and the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae). Amblyseius largoensis is considered a generalist due to its ability to feed on multiple food sources (e.g. phytophagous mites, small insects, plant exudates, nectar, and pollen). Specimens of A. largoensis sometimes attack each other in competitive situations. Thus, we hypothesized that intraspecific interactions, such as cannibalism, may occur when heterospecific prey are scarce. Experiments were conducted to determine whether, and to what extent, the availability of heterospecific prey, eggs of R. indica, influenced the tendencies of A. largoensis to cannibalise. Additionally, the oviposition of A. largoensis was measured in the presence and absence of both conspecific nymphs and R. indica eggs. Overall, in the absence of the heterospecific prey, A. largoensis consumed conspecific nymphs, and few eggs were produced, whereas in the presence of abundant herbivorous prey, cannibalism decreased, and oviposition increased. These results suggest that, similar to other phytoseiid mites, A. largoensis employs cannibalism as an adaptive survival strategy when heterospecific prey is absent or scarce.

Hosts of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) Native to the Brazilian Amazon

The expansion of red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in Brazil could impact negatively the native plant species, especially of the family Arecaceae. To determine which species could be at risk, we investigated the development and reproductive potential of R. indica on 19 plant species including 13 native species to the Brazilian Amazon (12 Arecaceae and one Heliconiaceae), and six exotic species, four Arecaceae, a Musaceae and a Zingiberaceae. Values of the instantaneous rate of increase (ri) were initially estimated at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after infestation of each species. Higher values of ri (> 0.05) were determined on the Arecaceae Adonidia merrillii, Astrocaryum jauari, Cocos nucifera, Bactris simplicifrons, Mauritia flexuosa, Phoenix dactylifera and Socratea exorrhiza, and on the Heliconiaceae Heliconia psittacorum Sassy; these were classified as “potential primary hosts”. Lower, but still positive values of ri (0-0.05) were determined on the Arecaceae Bactris maraja, Oenocarpus bacaba, Oenocarpus bataua and on the Musaceae Musa × paradisiaca (Prata variety); these were classified as “potential secondary hosts”. Negative values of ri were determined for the remaining plants, i.e., the Arecaceae Astrocaryum aculeatum, Attalea maripa, Bactris gasipaes, Elaeis guineensis, Euterpe oleracea, Euterpe precatoria, and the Zingiberaceae Alpinia rosea; these were considered “non-hosts”. Species with ri < 0.05 were considered not to be threatened by the RPM. Biological parameters of RPM were evaluated on the plant species with positive ri (except B. maraja) and two native species with negative ri (E. oleracea and E. precatoria). Mean developmental time ranged from 14.7 days on C. nucifera to 21.4 days on Musa × paradisiaca, showing a significant influence of the plant substrate. Immature viability, oviposition rate, net reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) were affected by the plant species.

INCIDENCE AND DISTRIPTION OF IN MITES (ACARI) ASSOCIATED WITH DATE PALM TREES IN ISMAILIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

the aims of this work was to survey mites on varieties of date palm trees at Ismailia Governorate. Results revelled that, the occurrence of 13 mite species belonging to 8 families. These mites were classified according to their feeding habits into three categories; four mite species belonging to two families are phytophagous; eight mite species belonging to five families are predaceous and one mite species is miscellaneous feeding. Results show also that, mite extracted from Hayani variety were more dominant than Zaghloul variety. Raoiella indica Hirst was the highest number as phytophagous mites. On the other hand, Amblyseius swirskii (A.-H.) recorded the highest population as predaceous mites. Cheletogenes orntus (Can.F phytophagous were 39.2% & 40.3%; predaceous mites were 57.1% & 56.2% and the miscellaneous mite species were 3.7% & 3.7% from Hayani and Zaghloul varieties, respectively. In the second year of study; from 5791 mite individuals were counted; phytophagous were 41.7% & 39.2%; as well as the predaceous mites recorded 55.4% & 56.5% and the miscellaneous mite species were 2.9% & 4.4% from Hayani and Zaghloul varieties, respectively.

Current status and distribution of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on coconut crops in Java, Indonesia

ABSTRACTThe red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is an important pest of coconut in the world. This mite threatens many coconut-producing countries, including Indonesia. The first reported attacks on coconut plants occurred in Tarakan Island in 2012. Surveys to investigate the mite occurrence in Java were carried out from August to October 2015 in 14 regencies in Java Island where coconut is widely grown. R. indica infested coconut plants in Jakarta, Lebak, Pacitan, Banyuwangi and Sumenep (Madura Island). R. indica was detected on various ages of coconut plants, either in the commercial plantation or in the yard. All colonies were found on the underside of leaves with no significant differences in mite population among foliage strata (canopy) and frond sections. Egg was the predominant stage. Amblyseius largoensis was the most abundant predator mite associated with R. indica on the field. Currently, R. indica was not considered as a harmful pest due to its low population number on the field.

First Report of Raoiella indica (Hirst) (Acari: Tenuipalpide) in Southern Brazil.

The red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica (Hirst) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), was found for the first time in the Paraná State, in southern Brazil. The first observations occurred in September 2015, on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) leaves, which is not considered a typical host plant of RPM. It is probable that its occurrence on this plant was serendipitous. Visual surveys for RPM were carried out on four typical host plants (banana, coconut, foxtail palm, and real palm), in five cities of the Paraná State (Bela Vista do Paraíso, Londrina, Maringá, Marialva, and Sarandi). RPM was found on each of the four typical host plants, in each of the five cities. Our survey extends RPM occurrence to the southern region of Brazil and indicates that the pest could be widespread in the country.

English

The increase in oxidative enzyme activities is related to diminished mite infestation. Some biological aspects of Raoiella indica Hirst reared on the coconut cultivars (‘Jamaican Tall’ (JT), ‘Malayan Yellow Dwarf’ (MYD), Niu Leka (NL) and a hybrid JT x MYD) were studied under laboratory conditions. Aditionally, changes in oxidative enzyme activities (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) as response to R. indica feeding were studied in the cultivars where red palm mites showed highest and lowest biological parameters values. Longer time spans and lower oviposition rates observed on the JT suggest this cultivar to be more resistant to R. indica feeding. Cultivar JT showed the highest value in PPO/POX ratio, being about twice the value shown by MYD in the infested plants. The observed enzyme activity ratios in both genotypes showed a slight increase 24 h after mite infestation, suggesting these enzymes could be related to plant resistance to R. indica. However, this relationship is still unclear. The biological parameters of R. indica together with higher enzyme activity, particularly on JT suggest this cultivar could be considered as a more resistant cultivar as compared to MYD. More detailed studies are required to determine the effect of these enzymes on coconut resistance to red palm mites. Key words: Coconut, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, red palm mite.

Spatial forecasting of red palm mite in Brazil under current and future climate change scenarios

Abstract: The objective of this work was to predict the spatial distribution of the red palm mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), in Brazil under current and future climate change scenarios. A mapping method of species distribution based on the geographic information system (GIS) was used. The maps were constructed taking into account ranges of favorability for temperature and relative humidity. Favorability levels were defined considering the available information on pest biology and population dynamics. To characterize the current climatic conditions, information was referenced to the climate normal from 1961 to 1990. Future scenarios for the models were the A2 and B1 gas emission scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, focusing on the periods of 2011-2040, 2041-2070, and 2071-2100. The constructed maps showed that, for the reference period, Brazil presents extensive areas with favorable or very favorable conditions for the establishment of red palm mite populations. An increasing favorability was observed for future scenarios when compared with the reference period, indicating that the pest impact will worsen if it is already widely spread and causing damage in the country. Under current and future climate scenarios, most of the favorable and very favorable areas for red palm mite are in northeastern Brazil.

Amblyseius largoensis in controlling red palm mite under semi-field conditions

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of two Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) populations in controlling Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). The treatments were: release of A. largoensis from the island of La Réunion; release of A. largoensis from the state of Roraima, Brazil; and a control, without predator release. Initially, 20 predators were released per plant; three other releases were done at a rate of ten adults per plant, at 46, 135, and 156 days after the first release. The population densities were estimated every 20 days, during six months. Both A. largoensis populations evaluated are not sufficiently efficient to control the R. indica population.