Use of essential oils for the management of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in coconut cultivation

Abstract

The presence of Raoiella indica in Cocos nucifera plantations in Baracoa motivated interest in investigating alternatives for the management of this invasive exotic pest, based on the effects caused in other regions. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the action of essential oils for the management of R. indica in coconut cultivation. To this end, the translaminar and residual effect that these biological alternatives present in the egg phase and adult females was evaluated under laboratory conditions and the lethal concentration of 50% was determined. As a result, it was obtained that Thymus vulgaris and Melaleuca quinquenervia oils presented low translaminar activity against females; but a high residuality was achieved both in females and in the egg phase. Where thyme oil reached the highest residuality, since it caused mortality at a lower concentration.