Influences of climatic factors and natural enemies on the population of paraguay tea purple mite, in Chapecó, SC

Abstract

 Paraguay tea (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. - Aqüifoliaceae) is used in the industrialization of teas and other products. Purple mite or red mite Oligonychus yothersi (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) attacks the trees causing bronzing and the fall of the leaves. A study was conducted to evaluate ecological aspects of the pest in an
orchard situated in Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, from July 2003 to June 2006 period. Pest and natural enemy populations were evaluated every 15 days period utilizing increase lenses and entomological vacuum cleaner. Data obtained in the sampling and regional weathers informations were submitted to linear correlation and main components analysis. The temperature influenced positively on the purple mite development. The
increase of the the wind speed reduced the pest population on the trees. The presence of the O. yothersi mite in the trees favored the incidence of predatory mites and lady beetles Scymnus spp. and Stethorus spp. (Coleoptera:
Coccinellidae).