Screening of plantain hybrids for resistance to Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) and use of a systemic acaricide to control the mite

Sixteen clones of plantain were screened for resistance to red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica Hirst. The plantain clones were established in 5kg pots with ten replicates. Mite infestation was carried out by introducing highly infested potted coconut palms between the plantain pots (1:10). Control plants were maintained without infestation. The number of mites on the plantains was determined monthly for 3 months by inspecting second newest expanded leaf with a 10X lens. Plant height, numbers of leaves, and stomatal conductance were determined. The number of mites was highly variable among different plant clones. In addition, three-month-old plantain plants growing in 5kg pots were treated with different doses of oxamyl (Vydate L) with 1mL, 5mL and 10mL of the commercial product applied to the soil. Evaluation of the mite numbers conducted for 5 weeks showed a reduction of the mite populations on plants treated with 5 and 10mL compared with the untreated control. The observed reduction started at the third week and persisted until the fifth week.