The Coconut Mite, Aceria Guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophydae)

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, has emerged as a sporadic pest of the coconut plantations in India inducing serious damage. Coconut provides one third of the agricultural income in Kerala and a major population are dependent on this cash crop directly or indirectly through coconut-based industries like coir, copra, oil, honey, furniture, handicrafts, beverages, bakery products and so on. The economic instability of the coconut farming community and the people employed in coconut-based industries rank the highest order. A critical assessment of the various problems created by the mite A. guerreronis in the agricultural economy of Kerala is presented from a historical point in order to supplement data on crop loss through nut malformation, nut fall, loss in fibre and copra. Future strategies in terms of management practices for an early control of the mite are outlined, and suggestions to alleviate mite damage are presented.