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Mite pests of date palms

Research Abstract
The date palm, Phoenix dactylifera , is attacked by several mite species that frequently cause signifi cant damage. The Banks grass mite, Oligonychus pratensis (Banks), and the Old World date mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor), (Acari: Tetranychidae) are considered major pests of date palms. The spider mite Eutetranychus palmatus Attiah (Tetranychidae), the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, and the red and black fl at mite, Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes), (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) are considered pests of minor importance to date palm. This chapter summarizes the present knowledge about the distribution, host range, damage, biology, seasonal incidence and management practices of these species. Strategies used for mites are centered on the use of chemical pesticides. Often, the extensive use of these products has resulted in secondary pest outbreaks, undermining the adoption of sustainable pest management programs. Alternative management tactics, including biological control, have not been widely adopted by date producers. Therefore, since more research is needed, future research priorities are also discussed.
Research Authors
Negm MW, Moraes GJ de & Perring TM
Research Department
Research Journal
Springer
Research Member
Research Pages
NULL
Research Publisher
NULL
Research Rank
1
Research Vol
Sustainable Pest Management in Date Palm: Current Status and Emerging Challenges
Research Website
NULL
Research Year
2015