Country: Mexico

Title: Detection of the rice tarsonemid mite (Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley) in Palizada, Campeche, Mexico

Contact:
Dr. Javier Trujillo Arriaga, Plant Health General Director, jtrujillo@senasica.sagarpa.gob.mx, (52) 55 55 54 64 67

Report: In November 2006 and March 2007, technical personnel of the Plant Health General Directorate’s Department for the Study of Insects and Mites received samples of rice folliage from Palizada township, in Capeche, Mexico. These samples showed damage and symptoms of the disease caused by the rice tarsonemid mite (Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley).

These samples were analysed and processed by technical personnel of the above mentioned Department, to determine the presence of the rice tarsonemid mite. This made it necessary to observe the taxonomic traits of the mite and the application of taxonomic keys. As a result, the technical personnel of the National Center for Phytosanitary Reference confirmed the presence of Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley in all samples from Palizada township, Campeche.

Through the Plant Health General Directorate and the Plant Health Committee of Campeche, the SENASICA will conduct a technical training session on July 11 through July 13, in order to train phytosanitary professionals to develop a monitoring and management system for the rice tarsonemid mite (Steneotarsonemus spinki Smiley). Researchers from Mexico and Panama will participate in this event, along with Plant Health General Directorate officials.

Posted Date: July 12, 2007, 9 a.m.