Effect of vermicompost on the development of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in two Musa cultivars

Abstract

After being introduced in the Caribbean, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) has been considered threat for musaceaous production, so that sustainable pest management strategies are required. The present study evaluated population variation of R. indica by adding 15 or 30 % vermicompost to the substrate in two Musa cultivars (Hartón and Manzano) under greenhouse conditions. One to two years old plants of each cultivar were planted in plastic bags containing sand, mulch and rice husk (1:1:1) as substrate. A leaf from each plant was artificially infested with 20 females and 10 males of R. indica and population growth was evaluated weekly. Additionally, the total phenolic content in leaves of each cultivar was analyzed. Although R. indica populations were most severe reduced in plants treated with NPK, no significant differences were detected with vermicompost 30 % in ‘Manzano’ or 15 % in ‘Hartón’. Differences in total phenol content within each cultivar were detected due to fertilization treatment 96 hours after mite infestation. Our findings suggest that mechanisms of resistance in Musa cultivars, which could be considered when establishing pest management strategies under tropical conditions