Current status and distribution of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on coconut crops in Java, Indonesia

ABSTRACTThe red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is an important pest of coconut in the world. This mite threatens many coconut-producing countries, including Indonesia. The first reported attacks on coconut plants occurred in Tarakan Island in 2012. Surveys to investigate the mite occurrence in Java were carried out from August to October 2015 in 14 regencies in Java Island where coconut is widely grown. R. indica infested coconut plants in Jakarta, Lebak, Pacitan, Banyuwangi and Sumenep (Madura Island). R. indica was detected on various ages of coconut plants, either in the commercial plantation or in the yard. All colonies were found on the underside of leaves with no significant differences in mite population among foliage strata (canopy) and frond sections. Egg was the predominant stage. Amblyseius largoensis was the most abundant predator mite associated with R. indica on the field. Currently, R. indica was not considered as a harmful pest due to its low population number on the field.