Resumo

RODRIGUEZ, H; MONTOYA, A  e  RAMOS, Mayra. Raoiella indica HIRST (ACARI: TENUIPALPIDAE): A THREAT FOR CUBA. Rev. Protección Veg. [online]. 2007, vol.22, n.3, pp. 142-153. ISSN 2224-4697.

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is a serious pest for coconut, date and areca palms in many countries in the tropics of the Eastern and Western hemispheres. It was described on coconut leaves from India in 1924, being disseminated in several countries including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Oman, Israel, Reunion, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Philippine. This mite was recently reported in the Caribbean region, in Martinique, in 2004. It has spread rapidly throughout this region and has been found in Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic and Jamaica, where it has been observed also affecting other plant species not belonging to Arecaceae family such as Musa spp. (Musaceae), Heliconia rostrata (Heliconaceae), Alpinia purpurata (Zingiberaceae) and Eucayiptus spp. (Myrtaceae). Considering the risk of introduction of this invasive species, the present review was carried out to provide updated technical information about the biology, geographic distribution, detection, damage and management of R. indica. The incidence of this pest in Cuba might have serious consequences for coconut and plantain crops and to the tourism industry for the damage on the attractive gardens surrounding the hotels and to the Real Palm, national tree, with social and cultural implications. For this reason, the development of a management strategy to mitigate the possible impact of red palm mite and of a comprehensive public awareness programme for farmers and the public in general is very important.

Palavras-chave : Raoiella indica; red palm mite; coconut; plantain; Arecaceae; ornamental plants.

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