Alternative Management of Raoiella Indica Hirst, 1924 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) With Passion Fruit Seed Extract

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the acaricidal potential of the passion fruit seed extract (Passiflora edulis) in controlling the red palm mite (R. indica).   Theoretical framework: Raoiella indica is a pest mite of agricultural interest, considered one of the main pests of banana, coconut, date palm, and ornamental crops.   Method: The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design using passion fruit seed extract, with 7 repetitions and 12 R. indica individuals per repetition. The concentration tested was 1.0; 1.72; 2.95; 5.08; 8.73, and 15.0 %. The experimental units consisted of coconut leaf discs (4 cm in diameter) with moist cotton at the bottom of the Petri dish (10.0 x 1.2 cm) and around the disc to maintain turgidity and prevent the mites from escaping. The application was carried out using an airbrush, connected to a compressor calibrated with a constant pressure of 1.3 psi and 1 mL of solution per plate. The evaluation was conducted at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 hours following the extract's spraying.   Results and discussion: Mortality was observed in the dose-response model, the concentration of 15 % showed mortality rates greater than 98.8 % of individuals. Amounts of phenolics of 10.242, tannins of 14.837, and flavonoids of 9.700 in mg g-1 were found, attributing the mortality of individuals to the presence of these compounds. It was concluded that the passion fruit seed extract has an acaricidal effect on R. indica in the laboratory.   Implications of the research: Alternative pest management has grown substantially in recent years, given the demand for more sustainable products in the agricultural field. The use of botanical extracts is beneficial to the environment, as it does not promote soil and water contamination and can be an efficient method for controlling agricultural pests.   Originality/value: This article adds value to research areas such as alternative management of agricultural pests, and sustainability and suggests a change in the environmentally conscious behavior of rural producers.