Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mayaguez, Puerto Rico » Tropical Crops and Germplasm Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #252808
Title: Raoiella Indica: Facing it

Author
item RODRIGUES, JOSE C.V. - University Of Puerto Rico
item COLON, LESLY - University Of Florida
item PENA, JORGE - University Of Puerto Rico
item Irish, Brian
item RODA, AMY - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), National Wildlife Center
item RAMIREZ, AIXA - Puerto Rico Department Of Agriculture

Submitted to: Acarology International Congress Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2010
Publication Date: 8/27/2010
Citation: Rodrigues, J., Colon, L.M., Pena, J.E., Irish, B.M., Roda, A., Ramirez, A. 2010. Raoiella Indica: Facing it. XIII International Congress of Acaraology - Abstract Book. P. 228.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Biological invasions are a major threat to natural ecosystems and agricultural crop production. With globalization, the increase in trade and movement of people, the frequency of species invasions has substantially grown in the last three decades. Polyphagous pest species targeting hosts with wide distribution have and can spread quickly and cause tremendous losses. The recent invasion of Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) raises major concerns about the need for increased cooperative research initiatives in the Americas and the Caribbean. Raoiella indica feed on many palm species, especially Cocos nucifera, Musa spp. and many other ornamental plants. Efforts to reduce its invasion rate and mitigate losses have been put in place with two recently established working groups/networks. 1) DGroups (Development through Dialogue, FAO) established a discussion group where the Caribbean Plant Health Directors taskforce can meet online and formally discuss palm pests including the recent invasion of red palm mite (RPM); 2) Additionally, after the initial RPM detection in Puerto Rico (2006), a multiagency task-force was established to address U.S. management efforts (mainland and insular) for this new invasive pest. This multi-agency taskforce is charged with, the development of proper sampling techniques, a pest status taxonomic revision, characterization of the dynamics of the pest and its natural enemies (arthropods and microorganisms), in addition to a thorough description of its host range, the search and identification for natural enemies (classic biological control) for potential introduction, its chemical control, identification of any plant host resistance that might exist, and general pest management and training. These working groups/networks have been very successful in organizing the critical information on RPM. They also continue to emphasize the importance of prevention and preparedness and that a proactive approach is the best means for management of invasive species.