Tenuipalpus Donnadieu, 1875 and Brevipalpus Donnadieu, 1775 in cultivation of orchid Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg

Ácaros Tenuipalpus Donnadieu, 1875 e Brevipalpus Donnadieu, 1775 em cultivo de orquídea Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg

ABSTRACT:

The transit of infested plants may favor the introduction of herbivores into pest-free regions. In this study, we reported the occurrence of pest mites in Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg. Mites were collected from orchid leaves with lesions. We identified Brevipalpus californicus (Banks, 1904) (sensu latu), Brevipalpus yothersi Baker, 1949 and Tenuipalpus orchidofilo Moraes & Freire, 2001 (Tenuipalpidae). These species had not been registered in D. phalaenopsis. This study reinforces the importance of adequate phytosanitary care for orchid cultivation, since these mites can infest other cultivated plants and damage orchids.

Key words:
damage; flat mites; plant mites; Tenuipalpidae; Orchidaceae pest