What is the southern limit of the distribution of red palm mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), in agricultural lands in Brazil?
Abstract
The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), has been considered one of the most threatening pests of coconut, banana, and other monocotyledonous plants. It now has been reported from several Brazilian states, but little is known about its current distribution in the southern half of Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution of R. indica and the associated predatory mites in mid-southern Brazil, and to determine the possible southern limit to its distribution in the country. It was found in the Federal District and in 49 municipalities of 9 states, of which the southernmost was Iporã, Paraná State (24.007222°S, 53.698333°W). The majority of the surveyed sites south of Iporã had higher altitude than this municipality and surveyed sites immediately north of it. Thus, sites south of Iporã seem ecologically unsuitable to R. indica, most probably because of the low temperature in the winter. Eighteen species of predatory mites were found in association with R. indica, all of which belong to the order Mesostigmata, and 14 of which belong in the family Phytoseiidae. However, they are not R. indica-specific, as most have been reported from coconut (and other plants) in Brazil and elsewhere, regardless of the occurrence of R. indica.
Resumo
Raoiella indica tem sido considerada uma das pragas mais importantes de coqueiro, bananeira e plantas de importância florística. Atualmente foi relatado em vários estados brasileiros, mas pouco se sabe sobre sua distribuição atual no sul do Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuição de R. indica e os ácaros predadores associados no centro-sul do Brasil, discutindo o possível limite sul de sua distribuição. Raoiella indica foi encontrado no Distrito Federal e em 49 municípios de 9 estados, dos quais o mais meridional foi Iporã, estado do Paraná (24.007222°S, 53.698333°W). A maioria dos pontos pesquisados ao sul de Iporã tem altitude maior do que este município e dos pontos pesquisados imediatamente ao norte. Assim, pontos ao sul Iporã parecem ecologicamente inadequadas para R. indica, muito provavelmente por causa da baixa temperatura no inverno. Dezoito espécies de ácaros predadores foram encontradas em associação com a R. indica, todos dos quais pertencentes à ordem Mesostigmata e 14 pertencem a família Phytoseiidae. No entanto, eles não são inimigos naturais específicos de R. indica, pois, a maioria foi relatada em coqueiro (e outras plantas) no Brasil e em outros lugares, independentemente da ocorrência de R. indica.
Key Words: phytoseiid mites; natural enemies; coconut
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