Description

The eriophyid coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis, is a mite which infests coconut plantations. It is economically devastating, and can destroy up to 60% of coconut production. The immature nuts are infested and injured by mites feeding in the portion covered by the perianth of the immature nut. The adult female mite lays eggs on the developing coconut fruit about a month after pollination. The site chosen is under the remnants of the perianth which is no longer pressed so tightly against the fruit at this stage in the fruit's development and that enables the mite to access the area. After the eggs have hatched, the developing larvae thrust their mouthparts into the plant's soft tissues and suck out the juices. The whole developmental cycle takes ten days so numbers of mites can increase rapidly. The mites are probably largely dispersed by wind, but phoresy may also occur, with the mites inadvertently being carried by pollinating insects, rodents or birds, to other palm trees   The coconut mite is small, with a length of about 220 micrometres (0.0087 in) and a width of 36 to 52 micrometres (0.0014 to 0.0020 in); this is too small to see with the naked eye. The mite is white and translucent, long and slender, with two pairs of legs. Populations build up rapidly, and the presence of this mite is generally indicated by the damage it does, and confirmed microscopically.

Disclaimer:

All the information on this website - https://www.thenaruvi.com - is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. Thenaruvi.com does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (Thenaruvi.com), is strictly at your own risk. Thenaruvi.com will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website. All the Plant information including plant diseases and Pests available on this website is collected with the help of Application and website developed by Kerala Agricultural University(KAU).