Estimated crop loss due to coconut mite and financial analysis of controlling the pest using the acaricide abamectin

Abstract

Reducing the losses caused by Aceria guerreronis Keifer has been an arduous task for farmers. However, there are no detailed studies on losses that simultaneously analyse correlated parameters, and very few studies that address the economic viability of chemical control, the main strategy for managing this pest. In this study the objectives were (1) to estimate the crop loss due to coconut mite and (2) to perform a financial analysis of acaricide application to control the pest. For this, the following parameters were evaluated: number and weight of fruits, liquid albumen volume, and market destination of plants with and without monthly abamectin spraying (three harvests). The costs involved in the chemical control of A. guerreronis were also quantified. Higher A. guerreronis incidence on plants resulted in a 60 % decrease in the mean number of fruits harvested per bunch and a 28 % decrease in liquid albumen volume. Mean fruit weight remained unaffected. The market destination of the harvested fruit was also affected by higher A. guerreronis incidence. Untreated plants, with higher A. guerreronis infestation intensity, produced a lower proportion of fruit intended for fresh market and higher proportions of non-marketable fruit and fruit intended for industrial processing. Despite the costs involved in controlling A. guerreronis, the difference between the profit from the treated site and the untreated site was 18,123.50 Brazilian Real; this value represents 69.1 % higher profit at the treated site.

Characterization and evaluation of avermectin solid nanodispersion prepared by microprecipitation and lyophilisation techniques

“…Avermectin, a biological insecticide, is a macrocyclic lactone compound with strong activity against a broad spectrum of pests combined with low toxicity to non-target organisms [ 4 – 6 ]. However, the low water solubility and instability to light seriously influence its bioavailability and shelf life [ 7 ].…”

Field distribution patterns of pests are asymmetrically affected by the presence of other herbivores

“…In some cases, it has been reported that Ac. guererronis infestations cause significant premature coconut drop (Nair, 2002; Rezende et al ., 2016). If Ac.…”

“…The coconut palm is a perennial plant native to Southeast Asia but is currently distributed throughout the pantropics (Chan and Elevitch, 2006;Gunn et al, 2011;Ahuja et al, 2014) and considered a crop of economic importance in many countries (Hoe, 2018). Mites and months are considered important coconut pests around the world, usually related to decreasing production of coconut fruits due to damage and abortion of the reproductive structure (Bondar, 1940;Moore, 2001;Fernando and Aratchige, 2010;Navia et al, 2013;Rezende et al, 2016). Larvae of different species of moths feed on the male and female flowers of coconuts (Bondar, 1940;Moore, 2001;Cock and Burris, 2013).…”

Economic injury levels and sequential sampling plans for control decision‐making systems of Bemisia tabaci biotype B adults in watermelon crops

“…Crop productivity and the price of agricultural products have not been optimally determined given the influence of these components of IPM programs on EILs and sequential sampling plans. In today's competitive world, we must maximize the use of financial resources, reduce losses caused by pests, and preserve the environment . Therefore, the effects of crop productivity and the price of agricultural products should be considered in determining pest control decision‐making systems.…”

“…In today's competitive world, we must maximize the use of financial resources, reduce losses caused by pests, and preserve the environment. [35][36][37] Therefore, the effects of crop productivity and the price of agricultural products should be considered in determining pest control decision-making systems. In this context, this study represents a step towards this reality.…”