Seasonal incidence of Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on different varieties of date palm in Kachchh region of Western India

The data on abundance showed that the incidence of Raoiella indica and Stethorus keralicus was highest on Barhee and lowest on Anand TC variety, while moderate incidence was observed on KCCL-169. The incidence was observed throughout the year 2020–21 and 2021–22. The highest population was recorded in June and it was lowest during December. Among the four directions, maximum population was recorded from south and lowest from east throughout the year. Correlation studies revealed that S. keralicus, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity, wind speed and evaporation showed highly significant positive correlation with incidence of R. indica, while, rainfall and rainy days showed non-significant positive correlation. However, bright sunshine hour exhibited non-significant negative correlation with incidence of R. indica. These results clearly showed that natural enemies are density-dependent and have a close association with R. indica population.