Comparison of two populations of the pantropical predator Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for biological control of Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

• Published in: Experimental & applied acarology Vol. 60; no. 1; pp. 83 - 93
• Main Authors: Domingos, Cleiton A, Oliveira, Leandro O, de Morais, Elisângela G. F, Navia, Denise, de Moraes, Gilberto J, Gondim, Manoel G. C. Jr
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer-Verlag 01-05-2013; Springer Netherlands; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acari; Amblyseius; Animal Ecology; Animal Genetics and Genomics; Animal Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography; Animals; Biological control; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Brazil; chemical control; Cocos; Cocos nucifera; Economic impact; Entomology; host range; Indian Ocean Islands; Invasive species; Life Sciences; mites; Mites - growth & development; Mites - physiology; natural enemies; Oviposition; Pest control; Pest Control, Biological; Pests; Phytoseiidae; Predatory Behavior; surveys; survival rate; Tenuipalpidae; Reunion; Indian Ocean; Brazil; Indian Ocean Islands; Red palm mite; Arecaceae; Phytoseiid; Coconut palm; Quarantine pest; Biological control
• ISSN: 0168-8162; 1572-9702
• DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9625-y

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), was recently introduced in the Americas. It spread quickly throughout coconut palm growing areas, expanding considerably its host range. The invasion of this species has caused high economic impact in several countries. In Brazil, extensive areas are expected to be affected. For logistical reasons and other concerns, chemical control does not seem desirable for the control of this pest in most Latin American countries. Biological control of R. indica by introducing exotic natural enemies seems to be an important control measure to be considered. Surveys in many countries have shown that Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a very common predator on coconut palms. This study compared the biology of a population of A. largoensis found for a long time in association with R. indica in La Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) with a population from Roraima State (northern Brazil), where R. indica was first found about two and a half years ago. No significant differences were observed between populations in relation to the duration of different immature stages or total survivorship. However, the oviposition period, prey consumption and net reproductive rate were significantly higher for the La Reunion population, warranting further investigation to determine whether that population should be released in Roraima to control the pest.