Investigation of infestation levels and damages caused by Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in coconut palm using remote sensing

Abstract

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica (Hirst, 1924) originates from the Asian continent, but has already colonized the Middle East, North of Africa, the entire Caribbean, and countries in North, Central and South America, including Brazil. The mite has become one of the main pests of coconut (Cocos nucifera) in the Americas, reducing production by up to 90%, and causing aesthetic damage to the attacked plants. In adult palms, the attacked leaves become yellowish and dry, with reduced photosynthesis and flower abortion. Young palms are even more sensitive and may die in the field or even in nurseries. The control of R. indica in Brazil is hampered not only by the lack of phytosanitary products registered by the Ministry of Agriculture, but also by the lack of data on population levels, efficient sampling methods, and the definition of control and economic damage thresholds that allow the rational management of the pest. Thus, the present project aims at: 1) Identifying the infestation levels of R. indica in coconut palms under semi-field conditions; 2) Determining the control and economic damage thresholds of R. indica in coconut palm under semi-field and field conditions; and 3) Developing a method for monitoring R. indica in coconut palm based on remote sensing. Field and semi-field experiments will be conducted in two distinct climatic scenarios in the states of Alagoas and São Paulo. By the end of the project period, it is expected that the results generated will allow the implementation of rational control of the red palm mite, based on sampling and decision-making thresholds, within the perspective of integrated pest management. (AU)