First record of the red palm-mite Raoiella indica in the Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract – Banana cultivation and the production of palm trees to obtain palm hearts as agricultural activities of social and economic importance stand out in the coastal region of Santa Catarina. The mite Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari; Tenuipalpidae), recently recorded in Brazil, has the potential to compromise these two important production chains in the state, since this pest is historically associated with species belonging to the botanical families Musaceae and Arecaceae. Thus, a survey was carried out to verify the occurrence of this mite in Santa Catarina State. Samples of plants from the municipality of Tubarão contained specimens in all stages of R. indica, which makes this the first record of the species in the state. At a time when rational managements are being sought for the production of food with less use of agrochemicals, this pest appears as a severe phytosanitary concern.