Network of researchers for the monitoring of Phyllocoptruta musae Keifer

The banana rust mite Phyllocoptruta musae Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) was first detected in Latin America in October 2020, at high population densities in the Dominican Republic (Gómez-Moya et al. 2021). Its actual distribution in the region, its status as a pest, the associated beneficial organisms and whether it represents a risk to banana production is currently unknown.

Banana production is of great socioeconomic importance in Latin America, especially in the Caribbean basin, Central America, northern South America and Mexico, not only because of the contribution to the countries’ exports, but also because it is a staple food and income generator for families in rural areas. Therefore, threats and phytosanitary problems must be dealt with at the regional level. The exchange of technical-scientific information is essential so that each country can adopt prevention and/or mitigation measures of the impact of new pests. Therefore, it is necessary to join forces among the countries that may be affected by the presence of this species of mite in Musaceae systems.

The objective of this form is to contact researchers and also professionals who work with mites or even with other pests in Musaceae, mainly from Latin America, in order to form an information network about the banana rust mite in the region.

The information collected must be transmitted to the competent agencies of each country, for the adoption of appropriate measures and to guide research efforts on this species of mite in the region.

COORDINATION:
Cristina Gómez Moya, Universidad Tecnológica del Cibao Oriental, UTECO. Cotui, Dominican Republic.
Denise Navia, Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, INRAE. UMR CBGP, Montferrier Sur Lez, France.

REGISTER: https://forms.gle/oMmL9MHJm3p5Evmd6
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