The rubber tree crop can be attacked by Calacarus heveae Feres (Eriophyidae) and Tenuipalpus heveae Baker (Tenuipalpidae) mites. Among the control options, the use of resistant genetic material can be a good alternative. The objective of this study was to identify clones showing resistance to these mites, and thus contribute to the establishment of management strategies of these pests. The experiments were carried out in the Votuporanga, State of São Paulo, in an area with plants arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. Leaves of the clones IAC 15, IAC 35, IAC 40, IAC 300, IAN 3156, IRCA 111, PB 260, PB 330, PB 28/59 and RRIM 600 were collected monthly for mite counting. The count was conducted in eight leaflets per plot, in two areas of 1 cm² per leaflet, on the upper surface for C. heveae and lower surface for T. heveae. The defoliation levels observed were evaluated with a grade scale ranging from 0 (without defoliation) to 4 (above 75%). RRIM 600 clone was used as standard susceptible genotype. Based on the values of average number of mites per cm² and defoliation grades, the IAC 15, IAC 40, IAC 300, IAN 3156 and PB 28/59 clones were considered resistant by non preference and/or antibiosis to C. heveae and T. heveae. The IRCA 111 clone was tolerant to C. heveae.
Hevea brasiliensis; Acari; Calacarus heveae; Tenuipalpus heveae
