A STUDY ON THE INCIDENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE COCONUT MITE, ACERIA GUERRERONIS (K.) IN KERALA

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis, causing significant impact on coconut production was first reported in India from Kerala in 1998. In the present study an attempt has been made to evaluate the seasonal variations in the mite population and coconut damage, levels of damage in coconut varieties and the ecological factors influencing the incidence and distribution of the pest. The study revealed that a combined effect of an array of factors namely atmospheric temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind direction and speed, nutritional availability to the palms and nut quality have a profound influence on the nature and gravity of the mite infestation.