Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #218731
Title: Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae): An island-hopping mite pest in the Caribbean

Author
item KANE, ETHAN - USDA-APHIS-PPQ-PSPI
item Ochoa, Ronald - Ron
item Erbe, Eric
item MATHURIN, GUY - SAINT LUCIA

Submitted to: Revista Manejo Integrado de Plagas
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/6/2011
Publication Date: 3/5/2012
Citation: Kane, E.C., Ochoa, R., Erbe, E.F., Mathurin, G. 2012. Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae): An island-hopping mite pest in the Caribbean. Revista Manejo Integrado de Plagas. 57(3-4):215-255.

Interpretive Summary: Plant feeding mites cause severe damage to agricultural crops around the world, costing billions of dollars annually. This paper addresses the identification and geography of the most important invasive mite pest species that attacks palms worldwide. Major infestations of this flat mite in the Caribbean islands of Dominica, Martinique, and Saint Lucia are reported. This study will be important to and used by plant quarantine officers, plant protection, ornamental industry, extension workers and state agriculture departments.

Technical Abstract: Major infestations of the flat mite species Raoiella indica Hirst have been reported from the Caribbean islands of Dominica, Martinique, and Saint Lucia. Specimens from these localities were examined using traditional light microscopy and low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) techniques. While little is known about the biology of this mite, its recent appearance in the Caribbean in both commercial coconut and banana plantations has raised concerns about its potential as an invasive pest.