Aspectos biológicos e potencial de Lasioseius barbensiensis Faraji & Kang (Acari: Blattisociidae) como agente de controle biológico e resistência de híbridos de coqueiro à Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the potential of Lasioseius barbensiensis Faraji & Kang (Acari: Blattisociidae) as a biological control agent of phytophagous mites associated with coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.), as well as the susceptibility of different coconut hybrids to the red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). Initially, studies were conducted to determine the feeding preference and biological parameters of L. barbensiensis when fed on different developmental stages of the mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae). The results indicated a clear preference for eggs and larvae, which led to higher oviposition rates and egg viability. Life table analysis revealed an average pre-adult development time of 8.5 days, a mean fecundity of 32.38 eggs per female, and an intrinsic rate of population increase (rₘ) of 0.1757, indicating the feasibility of mass rearing. Subsequently, the predatory capacity of L. barbensiensis was evaluated against two phytophagous mite species of coconut: Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae) and R. indica. Choice and no-choice tests showed that the predator consumed significantly more R. indica eggs and A. guerreronis adults than R. indica adults, demonstrating a preference for smaller prey and highlighting its potential as a biological control agent for both species. Finally, the susceptibility of 15 experimental coconut hybrids and one commercial hybrid (PB141) to R. indica was assessed under field and laboratory conditions. In the field, hybrids 1, 6, and 9 exhibited lower infestation levels across all mite stages, suggesting potential resistance. In laboratory conditions, hybrid 6 displayed the lowest instantaneous population growth rate (ri = 0.106), indicating an antibiosis effect. In contrast, hybrids 14 and 15 supported the highest mite population densities, classifying them as susceptible. In conclusion, L. barbensiensis exhibits favorable biological traits for the control of phytophagous mites in coconut cultivation, and the selection of resistant hybrids may constitute an effective strategy for the integrated management of R. indica. The integration of biological control agents with resistant genotypes represents a promising approach for the sustainable management of coconut crops.