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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Raoiella indica
• biological control
• coconut
• quarantine pest.