Wild host plants of four spider mite species (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting fruit crops in Okinawa

To determine the wild host plants of four major spider mite species infesting fruit crops grown in the subtropical Asian region, we collected and identified mites from non-crop plants throughout the islands of Okinawa, southwestern Japan. Although the two mango pests, Oligonychus coffeae and O. biharensis, are polyphagous, they did not share any wild host species in the field, indicating that their source plants are completely separate in Okinawa. Several major wild hosts were determined for Eutetranychus africanus, a pest of papaya and citrus. Its host range partially overlapped with that of O. biharensis. The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri, was very rare on non-crop plants in Okinawa, suggesting that it maintains its population mainly on the citrus trees in the area. These results are of great significance when considering vegetation control as part of the integrated management of these pest mites. During our survey, two non-pest species, Panonychus caglei (new to Japan) and Oligonychus gotohi (new to Okinawa), were also found.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We examined wild host plants of spider mites infesting fruit crops in Okinawa, southwestern Japan. ► The mango pests Oligonychus coffeae and O. biharensis did not share any wild host species in the field, indicating that their source plants are completely separate. ► The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri, was very rare on non-crop plants, suggesting that it maintains its population mainly on the citrus trees. ► The results are of significance when considering vegetation control as a tactic for management of these pests.