First report of Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) in Apaxtleco chili (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivated in greenhouse

Resumen

Objectives: To generate information about a new host of the Polyphagotarsonemus
latus (Banks) mite, and to understand the damages caused by the cultivation of
Apatlexco chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in the northern region of the state of
Guerrero.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The identification of the mite was carried out through
taxonomic keys and the damages caused in vegetative shoots, mature leaves and
flower buds were described.
Results: The P. latus mite was identified as causing important damage to the crops of
Aplaxtleco chili pepper grown in greenhouses in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, and this
is the first report of this mite in the Aplaxtleco chili pepper crop grown in greenhouses in
the state of Guerrero, Mexico.
Findings/Conclusions: Economic income is obtained from the cultivation of Aplaxtleco
chili peppers, a characteristic crop of the municipality of Aplaxtla, in the northern zone of Guerrero; therefore, knowing the identity of the P. latus mite in the Aplaxtleco chili crop
will help to suggest effective control methods to obtain higher yields.