Entomopathogenic fungi: Control of Aceria guerreronis in commercial planting of Cocos nucifera

Abstract

The coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis - Eriophyidae) attacks coconut fruits, inhabits the meristematic region, and causes losses in fruit production. Chemicals are the main control measures but successive applications can cause resistance in mites. In this sense, it is necessary to search for ecological alternatives that assist in sustainable management, as consumers seek products grown using more eco-friendly techniques. This study aimed to identify an entomopathogenic fungal isolate and evaluate its ability to control the mite A. guerreronis, which is present in commercial areas in the municipality of Santa Izabel do Pará, Brazil, in the Eastern Amazon. The efficiency of fungi on mites was tested using six treatments: water (control), chemical acaricide, and fungi of the genera Purpureocillium, Metarhizium, Beuaveria, and Trichoderma; the treatments were applied to the bunches at a concentration of 108 conidia mL-1. The results demonstrated a reduction in mites on fruits, with the B. bassiana and P. lilacinum treatments being the most successful. This study demonstrates that these fungi have acaricidal action and may present an economically viable and ecological alternative for controlling phytophagous mites in coconut cultivation in the Amazon.