Seasonal distribution and damage potential of Raoiella indica (Hirst) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on areca palms of Kerala, India

Year 2019, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 71 - 83, 31.07.2019

Prabheena Prabhakaran , Ramani Neravathu

Abstract

Tenuipalpid
mites represent an important group of Acari characterized by polyphagous habit
on a wide variety of crops. Among the injurious species of tenuipalpids, Raoiella indica Hirst (Trombidiformes:
Tenuipalpidae), the Red Palm Mite (RPM), is a serious pest on a variety of
plants. In the present study, infestation and distribution of the species on Areca catechu L. (Arecales: Arecaceae),
an important plantation crop of Kerala (India), were studied. The leaf sampling
was carried out once in a month in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of North
Kerala between 2011 and 2013. Both uninfested and infested leaf samples were
subjected to observation under a stereo zoom microscope (MVNSZ-450) to collect
data on the population density of the mite. Feeding impact of the RPM on the
areca palm was assessed through quantitative estimation of the total contents
of nitrogen, phenolic compounds and chlorophyll, and free proline. Results of
population studies revealed peak population density of RPM during April-May
months. A positive correlation was recorded between mite population and
temperature and a negative correlation between mite population and relative
humidity. The percentage losses of ‘total nitrogen’ and ‘total chlorophyll
contents were estimated as 51-53% and 59-60% respectively in RPM infested
leaves. The percentage increases recorded in the proline and phenolic compound
contents of mite infested leaf samples were 182-198% and 90-92%, respectively,
thereby revealing the stress induced by the RPM to areca palms. Data obtained
on the changes induced by RPM on chlorophyll, proline, phenolic compound and
total nitrogen contents were found significant at 0.05 level, when subjected to
statistical analysis following t-test, thereby establishing the pest status of
RPM on A. catechu.

Keywords

Areca catechu, proline, Raoiella indica, total chlorophyll, total nitrogen, total phenolic compound

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