Development and implementation of a biological control program for the coconut mite in sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
Coconut is an important crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Several arthropod pests can be found infesting coconut, of which the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, is one of the most economically important. The coconut mite damages the outside of the nut and thus reduces its size and quality. Effective control methods of the coconut mite have not yet been found. In most areas, chemical control has proven ineffective Because of the exotic nature of the coconut mite, classical biological control is the first option. Moreover, since South America is the suspected origin of the mite, the search for natural enemies should focus on South America. Several predators belonging to several families of mites, especially the family Phytoseiidae, have been identified, but the potential impact has not been properly evaluated. The three-year program represents a unique multi-institutional effort to develop, test and adapt a sustainable strategy for the control of coconut mite in Africa. Strategic research thrusts will cover the identification and biological and ecological characterization of effective natural enemies. In a phased approach, the project will introduce promising natural enemies into Benin and Tanzania, while continuing the search for additional natural enemies in Brazil and other parts of the Americas. The specific objectives of the project are: (i) conduct diagnostic surveys in northeastern Brazil, Benin and Tanzania to determine the distribution and abundance of the coconut mite and identity, abundance and distribution of associated natural enemies on coconut and potential host plants; (ii) conduct laboratory and field studies to determine and to compare the biological characteristics of potential natural enemies, and to assess their potential impact on coconut mite populations; (iii) introduce through quarantine and release in Benin and Tanzania the most promising natural enemies, (iv) conduct surveys and field experiments to determine the establishment, spread and impact of introduced natural enemies on coconut mite populations in Benin and Tanzania.
Gallmilben Raubmilben Biologische Schädlingskontrolle Kokosnussmilbe Aceria guerreronis
Publikationen
Search of natural enemies of the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis Keifer in northeastern Brazil.
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, L.M., Gondim Jr, M.G.C., Moraes de, G.J., Hanna, R., Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2005
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Incidence and severity of damage to coconut by Aceria guerreronis Keifer in north and northeast Brazil
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, L.M., Gondim Jr, M.G.C., de Moraes, G.J., Hanna, R. & Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2006
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Occurrence and distribution of the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis and associated natural enemies in Brazil.
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, L.M., Gondim Jr., M.G.C., de Moraes, G.J., Hanna, R., Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2006
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Population dynamics of the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis and its associated predators in Benin.
Autoren: Negloh, K., Hanna, R., Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2006
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Exploration of the acarine fauna on coconut palm in Brazil with emphasis on Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae) and its natural enemies.
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, LM; Gondim, MG; de Moraes, GJ; Hanna, R; Schausberger, P; Jahr: 2008
Journal articles
Refuge use by the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis: fine scale distribution and association with other mites under the perianth.
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, L.M., Gondim Jr, M.G.C., deMoraes, G.J., Hanna, R. and Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2007
Journal articles
Predatory mites associated with the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis in Brazil.
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, L M; Gondim Jr, M G C; de Moraes, G J; Hanna, R; Schausberger, P Jahr: 2007
Journal articles
Life history of the predatory mites Neoseiulus paspalivorus and Proctolaelaps bickleyi, candidates for biological control of Aceria guerreronis.
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, LM; Gondim, MG; de Moraes, GJ; Hanna, R; Schausberger, P; Jahr: 2007
Journal articles
Refuge use by Aceria guerreronis and association with other mites under the perianth of coconut fruits.
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, L.M., Gondim Jr., M.G.C., de Moraes, G.J., Hanna, R. & Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2007
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Season and nut-age dependent population dynamics of the coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer and its associated predatory mite, Neoseiulus paspalivorus De Leon in Benin
Autoren: Negloh, K., Hanna, R. & Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2007
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Compatibility of the predatory mites Neoseiulus paspalivorus and Proctolaelaps bickleyi, candidate biocontrol agents of the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis: spatial niche use and intraguild predation
Autoren: Lawson-Balagbo, L.M., Gondim Jr, M.G.C., Moraes de, G.J., Hanna, R., and Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2008
Journal articles
Comparative demography and diet breadth of Brazilian and African populations of the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki, a candidate for biological control of coconut mite
Autoren: Negloh, K., Hanna, R., Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2008
Journal articles
Population dynamics of Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) and associated predators on coconut fruits in northeastern Brazil
Autoren: Reis, A.C., Gondim Jr. M.G.C., de Moraes, G.J., Hanna, R., Schausberger, P., Lawson-Balagbo, L.M., Barros, R. Jahr: 2008
Journal articles
Spatial refuge use by herbivorous mites poses major challenge for biological control
Autoren: Schausberger, P Jahr: 2009
Journal articles
Season- and fruit age-dependent population dynamics of Aceria guerreronis and its associated predatory mite Neoseiulus paspalivorus on coconut in Benin
Autoren: Negloh, K., Hanna, R. & Schausberger, P. Jahr: 2010
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis, in Benin and Tanzania: occurrence, damage and associated acarine fauna
Autoren: Negloh, K; Hanna, R; Schausberger, P Jahr: 2011
Journal articles
Intraguild predation and cannibalism between the predatory mites Neoseiulus neobaraki and N-paspalivorus, natural enemies of the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis
Autoren: Negloh, K; Hanna, R; Schausberger, P Jahr: 2012
Journal articles
Mitarbeiter*Innen
BOKU Partner
Externe Partner
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Biological Control Centre, Cotonou, Benin
Dr. Rachid Hanna
Koordinator