Two new occurrences of Oligonychus (Acari: Thrombidiformes: Tetranychidae) in Coffea canephora Pierre ex. Froehner, with description of damage and record of its natural enemies in the state of Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract

The objectives of this work were to document two new occurrences of Oligonychus (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) in coffee plant, present the damage and climatic conditions that may have favored the high population at the time of records, and report the occurrence of natural enemies. The records were done in three production areas in Itacoatiara, Silves, and Urucará, state of Amazonas. We verified the occurrence of Oligonychus mangiferus (Rahman and Sapra) and Oligonychus peronis Pritchard and Baker. In two crops, O. mangiferus was observed causing severe damage, probably due to favorable climatic conditions which coincided with the peak of the dry season in the region. For both species, we observed the occurrence of natural enemies such as predatory insects and mites, and acaropathogenic fungus. Based on the results, the occurrence of O. mangiferus and O. peronis in coffee farming is now known. These pests, especially O. mangiferus, can damage crops during the dry season.

Keywords

• coffeae new species subgroup
• Conilon/robusta coffee
• Pest management
• Spider mites
• Tropical agriculture