Studies on Mass Production Methods and Storage Temperature of Neoseiulus Baraki, A Predatory Mite of Coconut Mite
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Date
2014
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis Keifer) was first reported in Mexico in 1965 and is a microscopic, worm like organism which lives under the perienth of the nuts feeding on the cell sap of the merismatic tissues of the immature nuts. They occur in large numbers as colonies thousands of mites. Coconut mite was first reported in Sri Lanka in 1997. Since then it has been a serious threat to the coconut industry. To control the pest attack biological control agent was introduced. Neoseiulus baraki Athias-Henriot is the most common predator mite in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted to find the best storage temperature of the sachets method of N. baraki. Five treatments (temperatures of 24, 26, 27, 28 and 30°C) were used to determine the best storage temperature and among these treatments temperature of 26°C gave the highest population density throughout the experiment. Temperature of 30°C is not suitable for the storage of the N. baraki. After 9 days, population density was drastically decreased at this temperature. Mass production method of N. baraki was done with two sizes (small and medium) plastic boxes. Medium size box is gave the highest population density of the N baraki.
Key words Aceria guerreronis Keifer, Neoseiulus baraki Athias-Henriot, mass production method, storage temperature
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Palm and Latex Technology and Value Addition Degree Programme ( PLT)